I am sure you have heard the saying: “Be sure to read the fine print” meaning that we need to make sure we pay attention to all the details in any contracts we might sign, agreements we make, etc. While reading the fine print matters in our personal finances, we have to watch the fine print in our home businesses too…
Make sure you read all the information and fine print when it comes to anything financial with your home business—a business bank account, loans, credit cards, shipping agreements, insurance, etc. Even when working with a trusted institution with financial products you think you understand—it doesn’t hurt to make sure you’ve read and understand all the documents and all the details. It is far better to read first and ask questions than to come back after the fact and ask for accommodations. Once you have signed something, it becomes tough (if not impossible) to “take back.”
Also, web hosts and servers, as well as other vendors and suppliers may have contracts and agreements that you will want to be thorough with. Prior to signing any contracts or agreements, make sure to read. I find that this is one of those things that get overlooked when dealing with online forms—we tend to get impatient and just want to click “I Agree” when we really should read all the fine print, disclaimers, etc.
Remember that while some things cannot be negotiated and you might feel pressured to sign, other things can. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or try negotiating for terms that are better suited to your home business needs. It may mean doing some “shopping around” for the best deal or arrangement, but you won’t know what is best for your home business unless you read the fine print.
Also: Collecting All Your Documents for Taxes
When People Ask for Information, Be Sure to Follow Up