Look at what was in their contracts...

 Early termination penalty buried in Exhibit C: 12 months  remaining rent PLUS loss of security deposit PLUS $15,000  "administrative fee."  Total early exit cost: $73,000  The lease also had a "personal guarantee" clause Marcus  didn't notice—his personal assets were on the line. 

 Payment terms said "Net 30" but required: - Purchase order approval (7-10 days) - Three-level internal approval (up to 21 days) - Monthly payment batch processing (up to 30 days)  Real payment timeline: 58-91 days  For a $180K contract billed monthly ($15K/month), she was  essentially providing a $30-45K interest-free loan to her client. 

 Annual price escalation clause tied to "vendor's published  rate sheet" with no cap.  Year 1: $24,000 Year 2: $26,400 (10% increase) Year 3: $29,900 (13% increase)   Year 4: $34,400 (15% increase) Year 5: $39,600 (15% increase)  5-year total: $154,300 vs. expected $120,000 (if 0% increase)  They'd budgeted for 3% annual increases max. 

 "Exclusive distribution rights" clause meant: - They couldn't sell through ANY other channel - Partner could sell competing products - No minimum purchase requirements for partner - 2-year exclusive lock-in  If the partner didn't perform, they were stuck for 2 years  with no other way to reach customers.