Here are some thoughts about contracts with your Legal Research Provider(s) and other vendors.
- Do you know the exact date that your contract expires?
- Does your contract have an auto-renew clause?
- Did you print the Schedule(s) that are part of the agreement? i.e. the links that are part of the contract that contain more of the “fine print”. This electronic Schedule can change at any time altering the terms of the agreement.
When you sign a multi-year contract, it is not always clear to know the exact date that it expires.
- Does the contract actually have a termination date written on the agreement?
- Did the contract “clock” begin sometime after it was signed?
- What are the annual increases and when is the anniversary date?
I prefer to begin looking at a contract 12-15 months prior to the expiration date. You may have experienced being contacted by your representative during this time. The following may have been offered for renewing 12 months early:
- Extend the contract and reduce the annual increase for that year.
- Have a promotion for a “new” online product that is available as long as you sign up and extend your contract before your anniversary date.
- Offer you free books if you sign before the anniversary date. By the way, are those “free” books being put on automatic subscription updates?
Why do I want 12-15 months? This time allows me to review your contract and usage patterns. Let’s face it, things may have changed since you signed that last contract. You may have lost that associate who could not live without ALR or your Bankruptcy practice may have slowed down. You may even have a new Legal Research Provider sales representative! Do your homework before taking that “sweet” offer.
Options! Options! Options! Legal Research Provider contracts are becoming more complex with ever changing clauses. All the answers are there. The challenging part is asking the right questions.
I am George Chasse, the law firm consultant who can help you find these answers. My background working as a sales executive for Thomson Reuters and LexisNexis will give you that edge to negotiate from a position of strength. Allow me to be YOUR representative.
Let’s get started right away. We can develop a strategy that will put you on a path to controlling your costs. I will help achieve your financial goals using a customized pricing model specifically designed for you. Please call or email me to schedule a free consultation.