A supplier agreement is an agreement between a supplier and another party. Generally, the other party is a business or company.
A supplier may refer to a:
- manufacturer
- processor
- packager
- distributor
- wholesaler
- dealership
- merchant
Generally, the supplier agreement will cover a number of issues including:
- terms and conditions
- effective date and term of the agreement
- specific products or services provided
- issues of liability
- rates of payments
- arbitration details.
- Any conditions under which the agreement will be terminated
- Any warranties and/or disclaimers
The agreement is a consensus between the two parties regarding the rights and obligations surrounding the supplier’s business relationship with the other party.
Confidentiality and non-disclosure may be addressed as well. There will probably be a limitation of liability in the supplier agreement as well as indemnification. Supplier agreements are used for a wide range of products and materials from scientific research to manufacturing companies. Supplier agreements cover the terms for providing signs, medical equipment, tires, and vehicles. They are used to cover words and articles as well as materials and labor. Suppliers may be providing a supply of goods or services, advice or information, real property, financial supplies, or actions.
The other party may be an individual, an association, an organization, a company, a corporation, a partnership, or a firm. The supplier agreement is necessary to ensure that there are guidelines to provide a regular supply of the materials, goods, or services as needed. Supplier agreements can protect both the supplier and the party receiving the supplies.
This can benefit both sides, as the supplier is guaranteed to have a market for whatever they are providing, while the party receiving the product is able to maintain set terms – and generally save money. If you have a good working relationship with a particular supplier, you may want to look into creating a long-term supplier agreement. As with any legal document, it makes sense to have a lawyer either draft the agreement or at least look it over.
Here are several supplier agreements available on RealDealDocs: