Readers comment on “When is a Contract Not a Contract”

Last Friday Insider explained a decision not to renegotiate a written outdoor advertising contract even though a client threatened to withold future business.  Insider touched a nerve and received lots of comments.  Here’s a selection:

“I would have either done what you did, or negotiated a contract extension/other upsell on their other ads in exchange for letting them out of their contract early on the one.”

“Totally agree with your actions.  Their threats are simply bully tactics to get their way.  They would be the first to cry foul if the shoe was on the other foot.”

“Outstanding! At my company we don’t have a cancellation clause, however that is modified for some of the agencies. Locally if a client is in true “need” of getting out of there contract I tell them I will do my best to re-sell it but they are still obligated to pay until that time. A true need is not being able to keep the lights on or pay employees not just deciding to go in another direction. However I do attempt to help them as down the road they could remember how I helped them and invest again or give positive word of mouth for myself and our industry.”

“It depends on how much more and how long we had been doing business with them…Sometimes we put the customer on the avil list and keep billing…I don’t like being bullied either…”

“Good for insider.  You are spot on refusing to be bullied with the age old threat of a future business relationship.”

“Like my Dad used to say! Never burn a bridge, you might have to walk across it again one day. I would just tell them were sorry you feel that way, but if we did not honor are contracts and let everybody out when they wanted we would be out of business…When you send the last invoice out, I would end it by saying that you have been a great customer and if you decide you need us in the future were their for you. Thank you for your business. I would also send the CEO a personal Thank you.”

“I would do the same thing!”

“I agree.  The sign owner needs appropriate notice to rent out the sign to a future tenant. 60 days is more than fair. Our standard is 90 days cancellation unless the sign gets leased during that term you can relieve them of their obligation.”

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