When you have less negotiating power.
THE SITUATION
A larger business presents standard terms.
WHAT PEOPLE ASSUME
That they cannot be changed.
WHAT IS FREQUENTLY TRUE
Some terms are negotiable, particularly payment terms and liability.
WHAT TO DO
Read them Identify what you genuinely cannot accept Ask for those specific changes
WHAT TO FOCUS ON
Payment terms, if longer than you can carry Liability, if unlimited Anything requiring you to indemnify them broadly Exclusivity
WHAT TO ACCEPT
Terms that are inconvenient but bearable.
Negotiating everything wastes goodwill.
WHAT TO DO IF THEY WILL NOT CHANGE
Decide whether the work is worth the terms.
Some is not.
THE PAYMENT TERMS POINT
Long terms mean financing them.
Price accordingly, or decline.
WHAT TO TAKE ADVICE ON
Unlimited liability or broad indemnity.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Sign without reading because they are large.
