You’re not allowed to sign a print technology agreement with another company…

This is what an East Lancashire business found in their print technology contract.

They’d signed an agreement with a local supplier to them, for a refurbished multi-function device.

Before the machine was delivered, they looked at the contract terms in more detail, and found lots of hidden extra charges.

They decided to cancel the contract, as the things they found hadn’t been discussed or explained to them.

Amazingly, even though the refurbished equipment was a stock item, and hadn’t even been delivered or installed, the supplier insisted on a payment of £1,100 just to cancel the contract.

When they refused to pay, the supplier brought their attention to another clause in the contract that said something like:

‘If you sign a print technology agreement with another supplier, whilst still in this contract, you will be charged £3,000’.

We’ve seen some amazing one-sided clauses, but this is a new one on us and is quite unbelievable.

An existing customer explained our simple honest service approach to the company concerned and suggested they should come and meet us.

Even though we don’t think this clause would stand up in court, the company concerned are extremely nervous and don’t want to sign any further agreements with anyone.

But they still need a robust print technology solution to help them operate and grow the business.

Normally we provide 30-day rolling monthly agreements on our signature service, but understanding this situation, we decided to wave this and let them pay as they go.

…meaning they are contract free whilst they fight for their freedom.