When buying any type of media, printing, or advertising—any commodities—it’s important to spell out the details exactly, because many times the other person at the end of the phone is not taking notes carefully.

It’s angering, for example, when your advertisement doesn’t run in a magazine on an expected date because the publisher never got your order. Be sure you send instructions and corrections in writing, and be certain vendors acknowledge receipt of your memos in writing. That prevents a lot of mistakes and wasted time.