It is a good thing to sit back in your comfortable chair, with a tall glass of ice tea and read the end user agreements. I know any legal paper is not the most exciting reading, but it can save you 100′s of dollars by taking a few minutes, and leisurely read through them.

Reading things like mortgage papers, lease agreements. or cell phone contracts is not the most exciting reading there is. However, it is always good to know what you have agreed to do. I have lost count the number of times I have had people come to me and tell me stories of how they got themselves in a bind over not reading fully what they have signed.

When was the last time you took a loan agreement to the park, and set under a tree to read it from front to back. Maybe with a magnifying glass, to make sure you caught every word of the fine print.

When the sales person put that agreement under your nose, and said, “Sign Here”, you signed. But did you know what you were really signing? Did you take time to really read it?

There are 3 reasons why you should always read in detail any contract or agreement before you sign it. Then once or twice a year take out that agreement read through it, just as a reminder to what you have agreed to do.

Misunderstanding of the Facts – I think this best example of misunderstanding or misrepresentation during the sale is from electronic retails. Underpaid, eager young sales person wants to make the sale. He or she clouds the facts before the sale. Then when the item is purchased and home with the buyer there is surprises!

Forgotten Details -  Rental and loan agreements are usually in fine print on legal size paper. Sometime printed on both sides. They cover a lot of details written in legalese. There is so much detail, it is hard to remember everything.

Generic Agreements – Most businesses when they start out get a generic agreement or contract from the internet. They change the name and a few facts to fit their circumstances. You may sign your agreement with revision 2, but they are at revision 4 or 5. Keep you copy it may just save you a lot of money if there is ever a dispute.

If after a relaxing read of any agreement or contract, you do not understand what was being said or what the expectations are then talk to the manager. If you are not satisfied, then it is time to get a trained professional to help you.

Bottom – line: Before signing any contract or agreement take a leisurely read it under a tree with a tall glass of ice tea. Make sure you agree to what you are committing to do.

Tags: Agreements, Contracts, Ice Tea, Reading