diff --git a/src/engine/objects/NPC.java b/src/engine/objects/NPC.java
index d9659749..20fce385 100644
--- a/src/engine/objects/NPC.java
+++ b/src/engine/objects/NPC.java
@@ -1056,6 +1056,9 @@ public class NPC extends AbstractCharacter {
         if (ConfigManager.serverType.equals(ServerType.LOGINSERVER))
             return;
 
+        if (this.contract == null)
+            return; // Early exit for npc guild owners
+
         // Configure parent zone adding this NPC to the
         // zone collection
 
@@ -1074,9 +1077,6 @@ public class NPC extends AbstractCharacter {
         if (this.building != null)
             NPCManager.slotCharacterInBuilding(this);
 
-        if (this.contract == null)
-            return; // Early exit for npc guild owners
-
         if (this.contract != null) {
             this.symbol = this.contract.getIconID();
             this.modTypeTable = this.contract.getNPCModTypeTable();