WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SIGNING CONTRACTS

Recent consumer complaints received by the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) indicate that despite our public education campaign consumers continue to enter contracts without the necessary checks that will enable them to be informed and be protected from the “devils” that are usually in the details of the agreement.

Once again we implore consumers to adhere to the following guidelines that will minimise if not alleviate some of the difficulties and problems that are usually associated with contracts.

1. If you Read before you sign, you are more likely to understand certain details of the agreement such as the offer being made and under what conditions, as well as the terms and conditions of repayment. One should never accept an offer without close examination of every document associated with the purchase.Buying cash is always the cheapest option.
2. Have a Legal Person look at your documents. Legal advice from Lawyers competent in matters of contracts can provide you with sufficient insight into the agreement that you would otherwise have missed and can determine whether the contract is authentic.
3. Consult with others who have had similar experiences. Friends and or relatives that are or were involved in contractual agreements are equipped with first hand knowledge of what is involved and can help you to avoid any pitfalls that you may not easily detect.
4. Is there a Better Option?. It is always advisable to shop around even when a particular deals seems reasonable. Shopping around ensures that you benefit form competitive prices and consume goods and services of an acceptable quality.
5. Are you truly prepared to enter the contract?, To enter a contract unprepared can have dire consequences. Before you sign, which is an indication of acceptance to an offer, you should ensure that you are prepared to honour the terms and conditions set out in the contract such as payment terms. A quick study of your finances should tell you whether the timing is right or if you should postpone for a future date.
6. Seek advice from the Consumer Affairs Commission. The CAC will guide you through the steps you need to take before entering a contractual agreement and assist you in any way possible. It is our view that an informed consumer is better able to avoid the pitfalls of contractual agreements and we therefore encourage all consumers to take time out to understand the details of the contract before they sign.