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THE IMPORTANCE OF "INKING" A DEAL

If a part of the deal is important to you, it's important enough to put in writing. Many consumers and business people trust the oral representations of the other side, only to learn the hard way that an oral contract isn't worth the paper it's not written on.

All agreements and verbal promises should be put in writing to protect both sides in any deal. Written contracts should also include:

• A complete description of the work to be done in sufficient detail so as to permit an objective appraisal of performance, when payment has been earned, and when it is due
• The total cost
• A payment schedule
• Any warranties or other special terms and promises
• Objective benchmarks for performance by both sides

Never sign a blank contract. Read the entire document carefully and ask all questions before signing. Upon signing, always keep a copy of the signed contract for your records. And, if you can possibly avoid it, never, never pay the full amount in advance.