Anytime you buy something, you enter into a contract. For a contract to exist, you have to offer to buy something, the seller has to accept your offer, and something of value has to be exchanged. Whenever you buy a product or a service, you are a consumer.
For example, suppose you decide that you want to buy a new case for your cell phone. The cost of the case is $15.00. When you go to the cash register, you pay the store $15. The clerk accepts your money and gives you the case. This transaction represents a contractual relationship between you (the consumer) and the store (the seller). The receipt is proof of the contract.
Some contracts are in writing and are signed. The courts are able to enforce contracts if someone (including a company) doesn’t live up to their side of the agreement. It is difficult to enforce a contract against someone under 19 years old.
You have to sign binding contracts for many of the goods and services you buy such as a cell phone, gym membership, and cable service. You should know what you are getting into before you sign any contract.
10 Tips to Signing a Contract
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Shop around. Understand exactly what each company is offering. The more you know, the more you can negotiate. Compare price, guarantees, or warranties, how long the contract is for and any other terms or conditions that are important to you.
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Know who you're dealing with. Reputation is important, so ask friends or family for references. If you are not sure about a company's reputation check with the Better Business Bureau .
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Negotiate. Most contracts can be negotiated. Use the information you gathered while shopping around to get the best service and price. Don't feel pressured to sign immediately. If the company or individual wants your business, they will listen to your arguments.
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Read the contract and pay attention to the details. Make sure any verbal agreements or claims made by the salesperson are written into the contract. Strike out elements you do not want to agree with, and have these changes initialled by you and the salesperson before you sign. Fill all blank spaces so that details cannot be added later by the salesperson.
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Understand everything in the contract. Ask the salesperson questions and get advice if there are elements you don't understand. Don't forget that the fine print is part of the contract too. You can have a lawyer review the contract if you feel you need to.
- Know who to call for help and how to make a complaint. Ask the salesperson for a customer service phone number and the steps to take if you need to make a complaint.
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Remember that a signed contract is a legal document, so you will have to live with what you agreed to. Generally, a contract cannot be changed or broken unless you and the other party both agree.
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Know how to get out of the contract. Usually, a short period of time is allowed to cancel a contract without penalty; it's called the "cooling off period." The cooling off period should be described in the contract. Even if it isn't, you might still have a cooling off period. You can learn more about how to cancel a contract by visiting the Consumer Protection BC website or by or contact Consumer Protection BC to find out what the cooling off period might be for your situation. To cancel a contract before it is over, both sides have to agree, but usually it will cost you.
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Sleep on it. Is this what you really need and want? It's okay to change your mind before signing or agreeing to a contract.
- Once it's signed, get a copy and keep it. You may need it later on for reference or to launch a complaint if you have a problem.