Agreements are the foundation of any successful relationship, whether in business, personal life, or property management. But not every agreement needs a lengthy contract or legal paperwork.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as:

• A quick conversation about who’s responsible for repair costs.
• An agreement to extend a payment deadline.
• A promise to deliver a project by a certain date.

These “small” agreements might seem insignificant in the moment, but when expectations aren’t met, they can lead to major misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal issues.

The solution? Document them immediately. And no, this doesn’t mean drafting a formal contract. You can lock in an agreement in less than a minute—and here’s how.

Why Documenting Agreements Matters

Verbal agreements feel convenient and personal. But when memories fade or circumstances change, they quickly become complicated.

Consider these common scenarios:

• A freelancer agrees to a change in project scope but doesn’t document it. When the invoice arrives, the client disputes the cost, saying the change was included.
• A tenant agrees to pay for a minor repair, but when the bill arrives, they claim the landlord agreed to cover it.
• Two business partners verbally agree to share marketing expenses but end up arguing over who owes what.

These situations aren’t about dishonesty—they’re about miscommunication. And they happen because:

• People remember things differently over time.
• Expectations aren’t clearly defined.
• There’s no proof of what was agreed upon.

A quick written record prevents these misunderstandings and keeps both parties accountable.

The 60-Second Rule: How to Document an Agreement Quickly

You don’t need legal jargon or a complicated contract to protect yourself. In fact, the simpler, the better.

Here’s how to document an agreement in under 60 seconds:

1. Summarize It in Plain Language
   Keep it short, clear, and straightforward. Use plain language that both parties understand.
   • What was agreed upon?
   • Who is responsible for what?
   • When will it happen?
     
     Examples:
     • “Client agrees to pay an additional $500 for the extra features, due upon project completion.”
     • “Tenant will pay $150 towards the repair cost, and the landlord covers the rest.”
     • “Both parties agree that payment will be made by the 15th of each month.”
       
       Pro Tip: Avoid vague terms like “soon” or “later.” Be specific with dates, amounts, and responsibilities.
2. Get Confirmation
   An agreement isn’t final until both parties acknowledge it. This doesn’t require a signature or formal contract.
   • A simple “Got it” or “Agreed” in writing is enough.
   • Confirmation can be received through:
   • Text message
     Email
   • Messaging apps (like WhatsApp or Slack)
   • A tool like Verbal Shake
     
     Examples:
     • You: “Just to confirm, you’ll pay the $200 repair cost by the end of this week, correct?”
     • Them: “Got it. By Friday.”
       
       Why this works: It shows mutual understanding and acceptance of the terms.
       
       
3. Save It Somewhere Accessible
   The purpose of documentation is to have a record you can reference later. Without it, you’re back to a verbal agreement.
   
   Options for saving agreements:
   • Screenshots: Take a screenshot of the conversation and store it in a dedicated folder.
   • Emails: Save the confirmation email in a designated folder for agreements.
   • Note-taking apps: Use tools like Evernote or OneNote to organize and store agreements.
   • Verbal Shake: Our platform automatically stores all agreements securely, making them easy to access whenever needed.
     
     Pro Tip: Make sure the agreement is easily accessible if questions or disputes arise.

Why Verbal Shake Makes This Even Easier

We built Verbal Shake because we were tired of handshake deals turning into “I thought we agreed on…” arguments. Our platform bridges the gap between informal verbal agreements and complicated legal contracts.

Here’s how Verbal Shake keeps it quick and simple:

• Document in Real-Time: Record agreements in plain language, right from your phone or computer.
• Get Instant Confirmation: The other party confirms with a simple click—no need for back-and-forth emails.
• Stored Securely: All agreements are saved and timestamped, ensuring you always have proof if questions arise.
• Clear and Professional: Keeps agreements professional without feeling overly formal or legalistic.

No more “he said, she said” disputes. No more searching through texts and emails. With Verbal Shake, both sides stay on the same page—without the hassle of legal paperwork.

When to Use This Method

This quick method is perfect for documenting:

• Payment terms and deadlines – Especially when offering flexibility or extensions.
• Project changes or scope adjustments – To avoid disputes about deliverables and costs.
• Sharing costs or responsibilities – Like splitting repair costs, event expenses, or marketing budgets.
• Temporary arrangements – Such as short-term changes to agreements or policies.
• Any verbal agreement that could impact your money, time, or reputation.

Whether you’re a landlord, freelancer, business owner, or just trying to keep personal agreements organized, documenting agreements keeps things clear and professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a quick agreement can go wrong if not handled correctly. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Being too vague: Always be specific with dates, amounts, and responsibilities.
• Assuming mutual understanding: Always get written confirmation. Never assume the other person is on the same page.
• Forgetting to save the record: If it’s not saved, it’s as good as a verbal agreement.

By avoiding these mistakes, you protect yourself from unnecessary disputes and confusion.

A Minute of Effort Saves Hours of Headaches

A handshake feels friendly. A quick conversation feels simple. But verbal agreements often lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal battles.

Documenting agreements doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking less than 60 seconds to summarize, confirm, and save the agreement, you protect yourself, your relationships, and your reputation.

Verbal Shake makes this even easier, turning a quick conversation into a clear, documented agreement—without the hassle of legal paperwork.

Ready to Avoid Misunderstandings?

Verbal Shake is launching soon. Be among the first to try it and see how easy it is to keep agreements clear and enforceable.

Want to learn more? Contact us today or sign up for updates.