The Vendor Contract Review Checklist

Most technology contracts aren't negotiated. They're accepted, and then they renew themselves. The leverage you have is before you sign, and in the weeks before the cancel-by date. After that, the vendor has the next year and you have the invoice.

This checklist covers what to look for, in plain English, and what to ask for while you still can.

What's in it

• Eight things to check, each with a red flag to watch for: term and renewal, price, what you're actually buying, service levels, your data and getting out, security and privacy, the fine print, and what to have ready before you sign.
• What to ask for: eight changes most vendors will agree to some of, from a renewal price cap to the right to reduce seats.
• The renewal plan: what to do 90 days, 60 days and just before the cancel-by date.
• The email to send: a ready-to-edit notice that keeps your options open, even if you mean to stay.
• The contract on one page: a record of the dates, terms and decisions you'll want next year.

Use it

• Before you sign anything new, including the "click to accept" order forms.
• 90 days before a renewal, so there's time to read, ask and decide.
• When a vendor emails "we've updated our terms".

It pairs with The Tech Spend Workbook, which works out every cancel-by date for you, and the free 45-Minute Tech Spend Checkup.

It's a practical checklist, not legal advice. For large, long or unusual contracts, ask a lawyer to review them too.

It's a 3-page US Letter PDF.