Dialogue 1

A:  Did you go over the contract with our supplier? They drafted a new contract after we changed our pricing agreement last summer.  Nothing has been signed yet,  we only have a verbal agreement so far. 

B:  I saw the contract before it wen to our legal department.  It seemed really detailed this time.  I guess they want to make sure we don't leavey any loopholes. 

A:  I am glad we have our legal team to review it.  The legal jargon in all the clauses make my head spin!

B:  Mine too! But it's important to have a detailed and specific contract in case there are disagreements that arise later.  If there is a problem,  we can just go back to what's on the paper.  It's a good way to protect us,  and them. 

A:  Sometimes I really long for the time when a man's word was good enough. 

B:  That time doesn't exist anymore.  If you don't have it in writing,  then it's your word against theirs.  Verbal agreements aren't worth the paper they're written on!

A:  I guess you're right!

Dialogue 2

A:  Can you help me make sense of this contract? I don 't quite understand this phrase. . . . 

B:  Let me see,  "The two undersigned are in agreement to the following terms.  Party A shall be responsible for furnishing Party B with materials as follows. " Well,  that's a pretty complicated way to say you both agree to something and sign your names to certify. 

A:  So if I sign here,  that makes me Party A,  right?

B:  Yes.  Then you have to abide by all the requirements listed in this contract for Party A. 

A:  What about what is says here,  "Terms and conditions of this agreement are void in the case of natural disaster or acts of God. "

B:  That means unless something very big happens,  like an earthquake or a tsunami,  you will be bound to the contract and can't get out of it. 

A:  That serious,  huh?

B:  Sounds like it.  Before you sign this contract, I would go over it with a fine-tooth comb if I were you.  Make sure it's what you want. 

A:  Good idea.  I'll probably have to get a dictionary!