Urgent help needed: Client want me to sign an NDA...

No, I don't think it's so common, but you are dealing with a bigger client and with them it probably is quite common.

Why would you not need to sign an NDA?

most larger companies will have all vendors and consultants sign nda's..

It depends on the client you are working with. It sounds to me like this company does not want any of their competitors knowing what you are doing for them - sounds fair enough if it's a large company. What's the problem, why won't you sign one for them?

Also, don't recommend coming here for legal advice. This is a public forum. You are best to go and seek advice from a proper legal professional.

Show it to your lawyer, discuss and move forward. If it's a big client with lots of work then it will worth it to pay a legal guy a "few buck" to read it and advise you.

Non Disclosure's, especially for larger companies, is business as usual. If you feel comfortable with the agreement, sign it and enjoy the opportunity.

If you're that uncomfortable about signing an NDA; turn down the work- Hiring a lawyer to interpret the document isn't going to make much of a difference. This company is unlikely to change it's policies and procedures simply because one vendor (you) doesn't feel comfortable with the NDA-Chances are if you don't sign, you don't get the job.

I've signed dozens of NDA's over the years and never had a problem. The Non-Disclosure agreement will generally only come back to bite you if you do something wrong, e.g. , illegal, deceptive, immoral (as in, to the point of prosecution). If you run your biz above board, what's the issue?

They are simply protecting the companies proprietary assets - As a "Vendor" you may have access to information and company knowledge that the public or the competition does not have access to. The NDA is simply a deterrent to (hopefully) make sure that your'e not divulging company secrets, or any company information for that matter.

If I wanted the job, I'd skim the NDA, throw down my John Hancock, and get onto business- but that's just me...

If you feel that uncomfortable with the NDA; hire an attorney, or simply turn down the opportunity. Chances are if you don't sign, you don't get the job.

NDAs are normal practice for many businesses.

If you're not comfortable with them - you're probably not the right company for the client.

Remember - the NDA is not about you.... you're just making it about you because you're not used to dealing with them.

One of my clients won't even talk to suppliers without an NDA. Not some customised NDA that puts restrictions or limitations on that specific company but ALL companies they do business with.

Remember - for them they may have NDAs signed with their business partners and distributors etc. and it's possible that the reason they need you to sign one is because they've signed one with someone else that required that they only do business with other companies within the framework of an NDA.

You've had the advice you need - read it or get a lawyer to read it for you then sign it or don't.

It's not a big deal - it's 'normal' business.

Take it as a sign that you're stepping up your game and use it for what it offers - the chance to get comfortable working on another level.

Think of it this way:

If companies like this need an NDA - it's massively restricting the amount of competition you're up against, because many of them (like you) will not be comfortable signing.

Usually in the SEO/SEM field this is literally just because most companies are BS artists using spamming tools and they want easy/stupid clients who don't know any better and will just pay them and leave them to it.

Once you get bigger clients, they'll want proper reporting, regular analysis and recommendations, results!, and a proper business framework to operate in.

As their SEM company you're going to see all of the things that are important to them - including the way they're targeting their niche.

It's time to step up or step back.

Hey - there's nothing wrong with wanting your business to be a thing that you just do for a few hours a day from home and only in an informal client relationship style - just decide what it is you want and make your decision and move forward.


It's not a big deal unless you make it into one. For most people this is just another day at the office stuff.

Andy

I totally agree with Andy, what he said is right. If you don't want to sign NDA you are giving a chance for them to break the contract. Just prove yourselves Sam.. sign and show up the work.

I have signed my share of nondisclosure agreements over the years.

If the wording is not simple and it contains multiple pages I always get reviewed by my lawyer.

This is not legal advice. But if you can't afford a lawyer I would suggest reading it thoroughly yourself.

Chances are they are just protecting their trade secrets. They don't want you learning something that works for them and taking it to one of their competitors. The NDA shouldn't apply to your existing knowledge.

Lastly. Make sure that it doesn't contain a noncompete clause. Unless you don't plan on ever working for another travel company.

Quite common. I used to sign a lot of them. Either sign it or move on and let someone else have the project. If you don't understand what is in the contract and don't want to get an attorney to tell you, you probably should just let the project go.

Signing a NDA is common. But you really should understand the terms so you know exactly what is you are signing. Then if there is something you do not agree to it can be negotiated.

If you do not understand the agreement, and do not want to pay a lawyer to review it (it is not expensive), then you are not going to get this contract or other big contracts.

Maybe fiverr is more your speed.

There are some writers, including at least well known Warrior, who refuse to sign any legal agreements. They have also lost thousands because my clients decided not to send them business.

Signing a legal agreement can be a sign that you are a professional. That you will actually respect your customer's privacy and intellectual property and not just pay lip service. That you are someone more than "sam770."

Complaints that you will not sign an agreement because it is long and has subheadings signifies laziness and an unwillingness to make an effort to understand the agreement. Or to have a professional explain it to you.

Frankly, it calls into question your ability to research, understand, and write content yourself.

You need to think about the message you are sending about yourself and your work, in addition to the message about protecting your client's property.

.

NDA's are normal. They don't want you to blab to everyone about their product and worse, take ideas and make your own product.

If you do plan on signing this NDA without proper legal counsel, one thing you might want to make sure is that this is just an NDA and doesn't include stuff like Non-Compete clauses. Non-compete clauses could restrict the kind of clients you will be able to work for in future.

Maybe we should a 'legal' section on WF? With all the appropriate disclaimers etc.

The question is: 'do you trust them, with or without the NDA?'

If yes, go ahead and sign, if your instincts tell you to stay away, then run like hell!!!

Some clients it's just been a meeting and a handshake, and we've been happy doing business ever since. Others want stuff on paper. It all comes down to trust.

Good luck - congratulations on your new opportunity Sam!

P.S. Yes, NDA's and other agreements are quite common, especially with large companies.

It's common for EVERYONE to sign an NDA when working with larger companies.

I recommend you get an attorney to go over it, which will only cost you $300-$500, and find some way to add that into your invoice.

Personally, I take "please sign this NDA" as an indicator that my invoice should have another zero on it. If they want paperwork that my attorney has to examine before they even commit to the project, they are going to hammer me with all kinds of bureaucracy, and they are damn sure going to pay extra for it.

If they are a big client, then they are probably paying big bucks and are serious about what they do. Spend a tiny portion of your upcoming paycheck on an appointment with a solicitor if you are that uncomfortable signing.