c/contract-clause-check

TIL a 'standard' non-compete clause cost me a $15,000 job offer

Had to choose between signing a new employment contract with a 50-mile, 2-year non-compete or walking away. I signed it, thinking it was normal boilerplate. Six months later, a better role opened up across town, but the clause blocked it. Has anyone else pushed back on the geographic radius and gotten it reduced?

3 comments

brooke_murray•3d ago

Arbitration clauses in contracts: my big flip after getting burned

I always put arbitration in my agreements to skip the court hassle. Then I had a case where the ruling felt totally off and there was no way to appeal. Some folks say it's still the best for speed, but I think it can be too risky. How do you all deal with this clause in your papers?

3 comments

jamesc79•5d ago

Auto-renew clauses are a nightmare if you don't mark your calendar

I almost lost a bunch of cash because I forgot the opt-out date. Now I always set a phone alert as soon as I sign anything with auto-renew.

3 comments

jordanmorgan•7d ago

I finally added hard deadlines to my contract's change order section

Without them, projects can drift aimlessly for months.

3 comments

park.aaron•10d ago

Freelance contract gives client total code control. Need advice.

I agreed to write software for a startup last week. Their contract says they own all code I produce, even common bits I use often. One side says this is fine to keep clients happy and secure. The other side worries I lose the ability to work on similar stuff later. I really like this project but don't want to sign away my future work. What do you all think is a fair middle ground? How have you changed these clauses before?

3 comments

waderamirez•11d ago

Unpopular opinion: I thought arbitration clauses were a waste of time until a dispute ate up my profits.

I used to skip detailed arbitration terms in my service contracts, thinking court was fine. Then a vendor dispute forced me into a process with no set rules, costing me months and money. Now I always specify the arbitration body and location clearly in every agreement. It's a pain, but it prevents endless delays.

3 comments

the_vera•11d ago

Showerthought: Everyone says to nail down termination terms, but I left mine vague on purpose.

Flexibility can prevent more problems than it causes in long-term deals.

4 comments

rayh20•12d ago

My neighbor's leaf blowing contract has a clause about noise complaints

He wants me to sign an agreement that I won't complain about his leaf blower before 7 AM. The clause says I owe him a pie if I break it. Can he do that?

3 comments

zara_martin•12d ago

Why I never sign without reading the indemnity section now

I used to skip over the legal stuff in my pressure washing contracts. Then a job went sideways because of an unclear clause about property damage. I started taking five minutes to review the indemnity part before any signature. Now I avoid nasty surprises and keep my business safe. It's worth the extra time.

4 comments

paulnguyen•15d ago

Bathroom redo contract leaves me unsure about damage coverage

I'm having my bathroom redone and the painter's paperwork includes a part about not covering wall damage from old paint. This seems risky if they scrape off lead paint or something. Can I add language to protect myself from cleanup costs?

4 comments