Stumbled on a stat that said 60% of small biz owners never read contracts before signing

I was digging through some old freelancer forum archives last night, trying to find advice on dealing with a client who kept adding stuff after we agreed on a price. And I found this survey from 2022 where 60% of small business owners admitted they don't read contracts before they sign them. Just skim and sign. That honestly explains so much. I had a client last year who agreed to my scope in writing, then acted surprised when I charged extra for adding a whole new page. They probably never read the part about change orders. Has anyone else run into this? Where a client clearly didn't read the paper they put their name on?

3 comments

3 Comments

fionamurphy8d ago

Wait, is that real 60%? I used to think people who complained about clients not reading contracts were just being dramatic, but that stat honestly changed my mind. It makes so much sense why so many freelancers have those awkward conversations after the fact. Like, they probably skimmed it, saw the price, and just signed without checking the fine print about extra work. I had a similar thing happen with a client who was shocked I charged for revisions when they literally agreed to a two round limit in writing. It's frustrating but I get it now, people are busy and contracts are boring lol.

ryan_hart388d ago

I actually read a study recently that said something like only 1 in 10 people actually read the full terms when they sign something online. So that 60% number sounds about right honestly. It's wild how many people just click agree or sign without really looking past the big numbers. I've definitely been guilty of skimming contracts myself when I'm in a hurry.

emma_jones8d ago

the 60% thing sounds made up but honestly i believe it. last year my friend hired a plumber and signed something without reading it. turned out it said they could charge extra for any "unexpected complications" which basically meant anything. the plumber found a small issue and tacked on $400. my friend was furious but it was right there in the contract. i get being busy but a five minute skim could save you a headache. contracts are boring but they exist to protect both sides. people just need to slow down and read the whole thing.