Online Contract

[jcbergman]

What make a "I agree the the terms and services....." box checked legal over a signature?
I'm interested in putting my contract online for quick agreement, but want to make it legal... anyone have any suggestions?

[Marcia]

Disclaimer: We aren't qualified to and don't give legal advice, only opinions. It's advised that they be taken with a grain of salt as such, and that qualified, licensed attorneys be consulted for accurate information.

It's more than likely best to have a physical signature, but I've heard some argue that when people hit the submit button it constitutes agreement.

Having once gone through a month of back and forth emails with someone over a nickel-and-dime deal, I can see where it's best to cinch a deal sooner than later. Even if a hard, firm contract isn't in place - it's entirely possible that something online can make quick work of a time bandit. Putting a contract up is what got rid of the email barrage with the one I'm referring to.

I generally wouldn't post a URL, but I think this is one of the most valuable things I've ever come across - by Wendy Peck, one of my absolute favorites for graphics and design inspiration.

Memorandum of Understanding [wise-women.org]

Something like that could be online to print, or - again, certainly not "legal advice" just an opinion - I feel if it's submitted online first with something like a PayPal payment it's valid enough for starters for us and shows good faith in a lot of cases, and can save us a lot of wasted haggling time with people who are just fishing for free information without being serious.