How do I avoid long-term contracts as a small firm?

Flexibility is valuable when you do not yet know your volumes.

Where lock-in hides

• Platform contracts with 12 to 36 month minimums.
• Setup fees that you lose if you leave early.
• Revenue shares with long notice periods.
• Payment processors with early termination fees.

How to avoid it

• Platform: a one-time purchase has no term. PropExecutor plans are bought once, with no contract period.
• Software: month-to-month plans.
• Services: pay per use, such as KYC per check.
• Agencies: project fees rather than retainers.

Questions to ask any supplier

• Is there a minimum term?
• What is the notice period?
• What happens to my data if I leave?
• Are there exit fees?

Data portability

Even without a contract, make sure you can take your data with you. PropExecutor's API provides full account reports, and its terms provide for an export on request if access ends.