When engaging a vendor, here are some do's and don'ts:
DO:
- insist on starting from your own standard contract
- be familiar with your standard contract terms
- understand your business objectives
- check for existing agreements
- consider the total cost of the deal
- engage an attorney as soon as possible
DON'T:
- start any work before the contract is in place
- attach the vendor's entire proposal
- take a "one-size-fits-all" mentality
- think of contracts as just a formality - content matters!