Hidden in the Small Print - an example.

This is a good example of how copier companies use small print and selective use of words to hide bad practice. Of course, I cannot name names for fear of being sued, but if you are considered doing a deal with a copier company that begins with F, or has a name similar to a bird of prey, look very carefully.

The clause says:

"You will also have to pay an additional charge for any maintenance or repair which arises because of your neglect or misuse including the use of non-approved toner, consumables and other media. Fxxxxx may increase the Copy Charge annually but if the increase is higher than nineteen percent you may give Fxxxxx written notice of termination"

The next clause along says this :

"(failure to pay on time) gives Fxxxxx the right to charge interest at 2.4% per month on all overdue amounts"

Isn't it interesting that in the second clause, the supplier chooses to use the numeric (2.4%) but in the former, the verbal (nineteen percent) is used?

And isn't it interesting that an annual increase on the entire contract is hidden at the end of a clause that relates to misuse?

You could argue that this particular bird of prey was banking on the customer skim reading the first part of the sentence and ignoring the second, which is unrelated. And you could also be fairly sure that using the numeric (19%) would have got the customer's interest.

Read those contracts. And if you are not sure, give me a call on 07872 916618 - i will be more than happy to help.