Poll: Have you ever regretted agreeing to a contract without reading the details first? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Have you ever regretted agreeing to a contract without reading the details first?".
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I've never signed a contract without reading the details first... Well, that's elementary, my dear Watson!
[Edited at 2018-02-07 10:08 GMT] | | |
Hey How do you say: Small Print in your language? | | | Never sign without reading the details first... | Feb 7, 2018 |
No. Would-be clients have occasionally given up, because I have refused to sign contracts or NDAs after reading the details. | |
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Nilton Junior Brazil Local time: 04:52 Member (2009) English to Portuguese + ...
Christine Andersen wrote: No. Would-be clients have occasionally given up, because I have refused to sign contracts or NDAs after reading the details. Same here. I most notably remember an agency that wanted to impose a 10% fine in case I delivered my files even a minute late. I told them I would be happy with that condition if they were also willing to accept a 10% fee in case of late payment, but they refused because they "always paid on time". | | |
As a fledgling translator, I was told by a woman I admired - whose career had 20 years on mine - that she always read through NDAs and contracts and simply crossed out those phrases or clauses she didn't agree with before signing. I've done it myself, then awaited the reaction. Sometimes there is none; sometimes a PM will come back to me incredulously. Mostly I wonder about the enforceability of such agreements and what body has jurisdiction over any disputes... I'm sure many on ProZ can weigh i... See more As a fledgling translator, I was told by a woman I admired - whose career had 20 years on mine - that she always read through NDAs and contracts and simply crossed out those phrases or clauses she didn't agree with before signing. I've done it myself, then awaited the reaction. Sometimes there is none; sometimes a PM will come back to me incredulously. Mostly I wonder about the enforceability of such agreements and what body has jurisdiction over any disputes... I'm sure many on ProZ can weigh in on this. ▲ Collapse | | | Sheila Wilson Spain Local time: 04:52 Member (2007) English + ... My client had the biggest regrets | Feb 7, 2018 |
I started giving an EFL course to a French businessman. After a few lessons he said he didn't have time for it. I submitted my invoices for hours done but the client pointed out that the contract said I'd only be paid on course completion, and it wasn't completed! They said I had to teach someone else, further away, in the evening! Long story short, I sued them, and won . The judge reckoned the contract was abusive. | | | Mario Freitas Brazil Local time: 00:52 Member (2014) English to Portuguese + ... Yes, long ago | Feb 8, 2018 |
And I think everyone has gone through this before learning it. I currently read every contract before signing it, and I usually suggest changes to the client. If the client refuses to accept or negotiate any changes, I refuse to sign the contract. Many clients say they can't change the terms of the contract, as it is a standard agreement, etc. This is the biggest BS in the commercial world! A contract is an instrument of AGREEMENT between two parties. Otherwise, it is nothing at all. | |
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An excellent point. | Feb 8, 2018 |
Mario Freitas wrote: A contract is an instrument of AGREEMENT between two parties. Otherwise, it is nothing at all. Remember it's a two-way street... though an agency might try to swap out the road sign | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: Have you ever regretted agreeing to a contract without reading the details first? CafeTran Espresso | You've never met a CAT tool this clever!
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