Things to know before signing a contract

Signing a contract without reading it could cost you a lot of money!

The pace of modern life means most people are busy. It seems that there is never enough time in the day to get everything done. When someone hands you a wordy contract full of strange language, it is tempting to skip over the text and sign at the bottom. Do not get trapped by the fine print. Read the contract!

Three things to look for

Getting through dense text can be tough, but you should look for these three things before you sign:

1. The total charges and costs.
2. The services and goods to be delivered.
3. The cancellation process and any associated fees.

Ask for clarification if you do not understand terms or definitions. If you still are not sure, a lawyer can help you interpret the contract to see if it is an agreement you are willing to sign.

Red flags

• If you feel intimidated into signing the contract, don’t sign. Imagine how you will feel when it comes time to pay.
• Think twice if a contract has non-disclosure or non-disparagement clauses. You could face legal action if you leave honest, but negative reviews. Also be aware that, if you relied on customer reviews to evaluate a product, they may not be representative.