Not all contracts need to be in writing. Contracts that are required by law to be in writing include contracts to buy and sell land or to buy a motor car and door-to-door sales contracts. However, it is always useful to have the terms agreed between the parties written down and attached to or kept with any other relevant papers; for example, copies of quotations, brochures, pamphlets, etc. that were supplied at the time the contract was entered into. Receipts for money paid should always be kept. If a dispute arises, these documents will assist in resolving differences between the parties.

A written contract can be drawn up by listing all the terms agreed between the parties and getting each of the parties to sign and date the document at the end.