Sales contracts

Before sending a sales contract for signature, check that its scope, price, payment terms and delivery commitments reflect the negotiated deal. If it refers to a quotation, schedule or specification, identify that reference and its version clearly so both parties understand what is included. This review helps prevent ambiguity when the contract reaches invoicing or fulfilment.

WQ3 locks documents once sent, so treat sending as the point when the text is settled, rather than another negotiation step. Confirm the customer's legal name and check that the intended signer has authority to commit the organisation. Verifying someone's identity and confirming their commercial authority are different checks; a deal may require both before the invitation goes out.

A signed contract records agreement, but it does not itself establish that delivery or payment has happened. When handing a deal to finance, operations or customer service, use the completed contract as the reference for the agreed obligations. Highlight service or shipment start conditions, payment milestones and any acceptance terms that affect what each team should do next.

Keep the audit trail with the deal record so reviewers can trace signing actions rather than reconstruct events from correspondence. WQ3 records actions from sending through final signature, supporting internal review and record keeping. If scope or pricing changes later, document the change in an amendment that clearly references the original agreement instead of treating an unsigned draft as the operative contract.