The process will vary from one company to the next. You should always read every contract carefully before signing them - if you sign them at all - and you are under no obligation to do so. (You may not get work from that ss, but IMO that's better than agreeing to some of the ridiculous, unfair things I sometimes read in some of them. I agree with dww below that the vast majority of them are very one-sided and protect only them.
As for a W-9, they will need to have that on file if you end up doing more than $600 in business with them, as that will require them to file a 1099 for you. Reasonable requests might also include a copy of your commission, bond, E&O insurance and these days, probably a background check report. |