For many people, contracts are a part of everyday life, whether it’s a rental contract, an employment contract or a mobile phone contract. But what should you look out for in order to avoid unpleasant surprises? Here are ten handy tips on how to deal with contracts safely.
Before you sign a contract, you should read it through thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the details and the small print. A misunderstanding can have expensive consequences down the line.
Resolve any ambiguities
Make sure you understand every clause of the contract. The language used in contracts can sometimes be complicated, so seek clarification if anything is unclear. Resolve tricky points with your contractual partner or seek legal advice from a specialist.
Pay attention to deadlines
Keep an eye on any deadlines. Depending on the contract, there might be deadlines for termination, payment or other obligations. To avoid unnecessary stress, take care not to miss a deadline.
Whenever a contract needs to be amended, the amendments should always be made in writing. Oral agreements are hard to prove and can lead to misunderstandings. Ask the other party to sign any amendments made.
Always make multiple copies of the original signed contract and store them securely. It is really easy to save digital copies with ePost, allowing you to access them anywhere, anytime.
Pay attention to the terms of duration of the contract and the cancellation conditions. Long terms and automatic renewals can tie you to a contract that you may want to end ahead of time.
Before signing a contract, check the reputation and background of your contractual partner. Whether your contractual partner is a company or a private individual, it is helpful to do some quick research online and to check their ratings in order to gauge their integrity and trustworthiness.
Digitalise contracts
Use digital solutions such as ePost to digitalise and better manage your contracts, making them well-ordered and easy to access when you need to look up specifics.
Many standardised contracts contain clauses that do not suit your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to personalise the contract and include specific conditions or exceptions. Make sure to clarify this with your contractual partner in advance.
In today’s digital world, electronic signatures are legally recognised and are often as binding as handwritten signatures. Use services such as ePost for secure and legally binding electronic signatures. This saves time and is particularly well suited for contracts that are being concluded remotely.
With these tips, you’ll be well equipped to manage contracts more securely and efficiently. Using digital tools, such as ePost, helps you to stay on top of things and can save you a lot of trouble.