Posted by VICKY/NO_CA on 1/24/07 10:10am
Msg #172358

Signing Service Contracts ??

I have been receiving "independent contractor" contracts from signing companies. What is this boards take on these contracts ? Are you completing and returning them? Are we required by law to provide these to the SS ? They are quite lengthly and contain a lot of "lawyers" terms and conditions. I don't feel comfortable with these and was wondering what everyone else is doing. Thanks for your input.

Reply by PJM/MI on 1/24/07 10:15am
Msg #172361

An independent contractor contract is just that... you are an independent and you are not entitled to any benefits from a company, nor will they take taxes out of your pay.
I ALWAYS send back the contract after reading it.
If you want more work, read it, sign it, and send it in.

Reply by Joanne_NY on 1/24/07 10:18am
Msg #172362

I don't sign them. If they pitch a fit about it, I go through the contract, cross out all the language that I feel is inappropriate, initial the changes and send them back. My main concern is always the non-compete clauses, cancellation or adjournment, standard fees, etc. I understand that these companies are covering their butt, but I feel that they are a bit silly.

Reply by Rhonda Skansi on 1/24/07 10:35am
Msg #172368

also, if they want references from other companies you have signed for, do not give them unless they are signing services.

Reply by Les_CO on 1/24/07 11:21am
Msg #172378

I don't sign contracts with "non-compete" clauses. Im nost cases I have been in business (much) longer than the companies asking ME to sign such a contract. It should be the other way around!

Reply by Elizabeth Soliday on 1/24/07 2:30pm
Msg #172421

Right Les, also many of them say you may not

solicit business from their clients and I have been uncomfortable agreeing to that because I am starting to market title companies and don't want to limit my own prospects.

Reply by Les_CO on 1/25/07 9:32am
Msg #172540

Re: Right Les, also many of them say you may not

Right-on! Of the several thousand SS's out there, you can count the good ones on one hand. So why sign some two page very limiting contract, with someone just setting up shop?