Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi Sylvie,
Your business idea sounds like mine in a basic way.  I came across your post because while looking for a Web Designer, I wanted to know if I need a Confidentiality  Agreement, AKA No Disclosure Clause, signed from a potential designer.  One designer I contacted sent me a form to feel out, in order to get an estimate, but he asked what I considered to be A LOT of details.  I was not comfortable giving him that much info, and after reading the thread here, and some other info, I learned that you really have to know whom you are working with.  Many companies will not sign them because your idea is probably not as original as you think (they`ve heard it all before in many cases).  Also, many people say these agreements are not worth the paper they are written on, but better than nothing...you have some avenue for recourse if something were to happen.  What I did is I responded on the form with very basic info.  For those questions that wanted info I did not feel comfortable disclosing at this time, I did not answer those, and wrote "May provide during initial consultation".  Then I asked the person if having them sign this agreement was a problem (still waiting to hear back from them on that).  Attorneys are held to the client privilege clause (at least that is what a SBA adviser, in my state, told me).  I was also recommended by the SBA person to a group local to me that does web design and they are held under the same clause as the attorneys, according to him.  I met with them and was comfortable.   Because I am still "shopping" around, many of the other groups do not seem legit and do not appear all that they make themselves out to be on their websites.  If you contact them, I would not disclose any of your detailed info and would ask if it was a problem for them to sign the agreement.  If they balk at the idea, then consider the reason why they may not want to sign one...let them tell you, and continue to shop around.