Vendor Agreement Template

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  • Delivery Ensure that all costs, fees, and expenses are documented in writing, including charges for additional services.

  • Consideration Ensuring a fair trade of value for your services or goods to your client is considered a best practice.

  • Complete online An efficient and accessible way to secure a signature. Have your clients sign this contract digitally on any device.

  • VENDOR

    Agreement

    Jim Clark Co
  • Vendor Agreement

    Jim Clark Co.

    agreement

    This Vendor Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on [Date], by and between:

    Participants
    Terms

    1. Contract Term:


    • Start Date:
    • End Date:


    2. Description of Goods or Services: The Vendor agrees to deliver the following goods or services to the Client:


    • Type and Quantity: [Detailed description of goods or services, including type and quantity]
    • Specifications: [Any additional specifications or requirements]


    3. Delivery Schedule:


    • Delivery Dates: The goods or services will be delivered on the following date(s): [Specify delivery dates]
    • Delivery Times: Delivery times will be between [Start Time] and [End Time] on the specified dates.
    • Schedule of Deliveries: [If applicable, specify a recurring schedule for deliveries, e.g., weekly, monthly]


    4. Payment Schedule:


    • Total Payment Amount:
    • Payment Schedule: Payments will be made according to the following schedule: [Specify payment amounts and due dates, e.g., deposit upon signing, balance upon delivery]
    • Payment Methods: Acceptable payment methods include [specify acceptable payment methods, e.g., check, bank transfer, credit card, online payment platform].


    5. Performance Standards:


    • Metrics and Quality Assurance: The Vendor agrees to meet the following performance standards:
    • [Specify metrics, e.g., delivery timeframes, quality of goods/services]
    • Quality Assurance: [Describe any quality assurance processes or standards]


    6. Vendor Responsibilities:


    • [List specific responsibilities, e.g., timely delivery, adherence to specifications, providing necessary documentation]
    • Compliance: Ensuring all goods/services comply with relevant laws and regulations.


    7. Client Responsibilities: [List specific responsibilities, e.g., providing access to delivery locations, timely payments, clear communication of requirements]


    8. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure:


    • Confidentiality: The Vendor agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or confidential information disclosed by the Client during the term of this Agreement.
    • Non-Disclosure: The Vendor agrees not to disclose any confidential information to third parties without the prior written consent of the Client.


    9. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights:


    • Ownership: [Specify who retains ownership of intellectual property, if applicable]
    • Usage Rights: [Specify any usage rights granted to the Client or Vendor]


    10. Amendments: This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Any changes must be discussed and agreed upon by both parties before they take effect.


    11. Termination:


    • By Either Party: Either party may terminate this Agreement with [specify notice period, e.g., 30 days] written notice.
    • For Cause: Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately if the other party breaches any material provision of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within [specify period, e.g., 10 days] after receiving written notice of the breach.


    12. Insurance and Compliance:


    • Insurance: The Vendor agrees to maintain appropriate insurance coverage, including general liability insurance and any other relevant policies. The Vendor will provide proof of insurance to the Client upon request.
    • Compliance: The Vendor agrees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards in the performance of this Agreement.


    13. Force Majeure: Neither party will be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations under this Agreement due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of war, terrorism, strikes, or other labor disputes.


    14. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification:


    • Limitation of Liability: Neither party will be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.
    • Indemnification: Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from the indemnifying party's breach of this Agreement or negligence.


    15. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved through the following procedures:


    • Negotiation: The parties will first attempt to resolve the dispute through informal negotiation.
    • Mediation: If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation.
    • Arbitration: If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, it will be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the [specify arbitration association, e.g., American Arbitration Association].
    • Legal Remedies: The parties agree that the arbitrator's decision will be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.


    16. Signatures: By signing below, the parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Vendor Agreement.


    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

    Signatures
    • Click to sign
      John Doe
    • Click to sign
      Jessica Clark

Your Guide to
Vendor Agreements

Building strong bonds between a company and its suppliers isn't just good manners; it's smart business! But how do you avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth partnership? The answer: powerful vendor agreements.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about vendor agreements. From who qualifies as a vendor to the key terms, you shouldn’t skip. Get ready to transform your vendor relationships from good to great!

What is a Vendor Agreement?

A vendor agreement is a legal contract between a business (client) and its vendors supplying the products or services. It spells out everything clearly, from what will be provided to the cost and when it will occur. Everything in black and white upfront reduces the risk of conflicts and paves the way for a smooth, drama-free partnership that keeps a business running like a well-oiled machine!

Who is Considered a Vendor?

A vendor supplies the goods and services a business needs to keep firing on all cylinders! But who exactly qualifies as a vendor? Here's your cheat sheet:

  • The Suppliers: These folks provide the raw materials or products a business needs to make or resell goods.

  • The Contractors: Contractors are vendors too! They're the individuals or companies that tackle projects, from building new office space to revamping an IT system.

  • The Service Providers: Need help with marketing, consulting, deliveries, or catering? Service providers are vendors who offer a wide range of expertise to keep a business running smoothly.

  • The Wholesalers: Wholesalers are vendors who supply products in bulk, often at discounted rates. They get the supplies a business needs to keep things stocked and costs down!

Different Types of Vendor Agreements

Not all vendor agreements are created equal! Just like businesses have different strengths, there are different vendor agreements to suit specific needs. 

  • Supply Agreement: Need a steady supply of goods to keep your business humming? A supply agreement is your go-to. It ensures a smooth flow of products at agreed-upon prices and terms. No more scrambling for supplies at the last minute!

  • Service Level Agreements: Partnering with an IT or telecoms company? A service level agreement (SLA) is your best friend. This agreement spells out exactly what level of service to expect, from lightning-fast response times to the specific tasks they'll handle.

  • Purchase Orders: Just need a vendor for a single purchase? A purchase order is the answer! It clearly outlines the quantity, type, and price of the goods or services from a vendor. Think of it as a business handshake for one-off transactions.

  • The License Agreement: Licensing software or other intellectual property from a vendor? A license agreement is the key. This agreement clarifies the terms of use and any royalties involved. It ensures the business and the vendor are on the same page about how the software or intellectual property can be used.

What Terms Should Be Included in the Vendor Agreement?

Vendor agreements are blueprints for building a dream team of suppliers and service providers. They ensure everyone's in sync and working towards the same goals. But what exactly should be included in these agreements? Let's break it down into easy-to-understand terms:

Generic Terms

  • Scope of Work: What exactly is the vendor expected to deliver? Products, services, or both? This section spells out the requirements and specs clearly, so everyone knows what they are to bring to the table. No room for misunderstandings here!

  • Pricing and Payment Terms: This part defines how much a vendor gets paid and when (think post-invoice or 30 days after delivery). It might also include preferred payment methods and any late fees for missed deadlines. Clear payment terms ensure everyone gets what they deserve and keep business finances in tip-top shape!

  • Delivery Schedules: Need those supplies yesterday to defeat a looming deadline? This area lays out the exact arrival time of the goods or the completion date of the services. It can also include milestones and deadlines, so operations can be planned around a vendor's deliveries!

  • Quality Standards and Acceptance Criteria: This section defines the benchmarks for the quality of a vendor's goods and services. It also outlines how a business assesses the quality, ensuring they get top-notch products or services that meet their needs. 

  • Warranty and Defects: Here are the guarantees a vendor makes about their performance. It also details what happens if their deliveries fall short of expectations. Think of it as a safety net that protects against faulty products or services, ensuring a business always gets what it pays for.

  • Confidentiality: A confidentiality clause ensures the vendor keeps confidential information they learn during the business partnership under wraps! It keeps sensitive company data safe so it doesn't get shared and harm the client's business. 

Including these important things in an agreement with a vendor creates a clear and safe plan for a successful business relationship! 

Vendor-Specific Terms

Even the best business partners (vendors) might have disagreements. That's where these vendor-specific terms come in—they're like special clauses that ensure a smooth partnership:

  • Indemnification: This clause protects businesses! It says that the vendor agrees to step in and take ownership of any financial losses or legal costs if their actions cause trouble. It's a security measure to keep a business safe from unexpected lawsuits.

  • Termination Clauses: Sometimes things don't work out, even with the best intentions. These clauses outline the situations where the business or vendor can hit the eject button and end the agreement early. It's a clear escape protocol to avoid getting stuck in a frustrating situation.

  • Renewal Terms: This section details how a business can extend the partnership! It explains how the agreement can continue after the initial term, including any changes to the terms for continued business adventures. Think of it as a power-up for a long-lasting alliance!

Understanding these terms is like having a secret decoder ring for your vendor agreement. They help ensure everyone's expectations are clear, responsibilities are well-defined, and the business relationship thrives! 

Keep Track of Your Agreements Online

Managing vendor agreements can feel like wrestling a rogue stapler. But fear not; platforms like Butterscotch are here to save the day.

With Butterscotch, you can create custom vendor agreements in a flash, send them out with a tap, and collect electronic signatures. Butterscotch keeps everything organized in one place, like your own digital filing cabinet. No more digging through mountains of paper!

This online tool not only makes life easier but also ensures you're following all the legal guidelines. With Butterscotch, managing vendor agreements becomes a breeze, freeing you to focus on what matters—building a thriving business!

Final Thoughts

Take charge and watch partnerships level up. With vendors as partners, nothing can hold a business back. Don’t leave the future in doubt - draw the map to success with solid agreements.

So ditch the handshake deals and embrace the power of vendor agreements! By using this tool wisely, businesses can create a network of reliable vendors to support them on their journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most asked questions about vendor agreement templates

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