1. Introduction
Quantity is an important term in most contractual relationships. When establishing a contract between two parties, quantity determines the amount of product or service to be provided by the other party.
When two parties agree to enter into a contract, they should consider the following points in determining a suitable quantity provision.
2. Specifying a Minimum Performance Level
When determining a quantity for the performance of the contract, the parties should agree on a minimum performance level. The minimum performance level can be either a set number or a percentage of an agreed-upon target.
This minimum performance level should be realistically attainable and should be reflected in other terms of the contract, such as payments and penalties for missing the stated performance level.
3. Specifying a Maximum Performance Level
The parties should also consider specifying a maximum performance level in the quantity provision. This maximum performance level should be attainable, but not so high that it could be considered unreasonably burdensome to the other party.
This maximum performance level should also be reflected in the other terms of the contract, such as payments and penalties for exceeding the stated performance level.
4. Establishing Payment Terms
The amount of payment to be received by the parties should also be established in the quantity provision. This could include a predetermined flat fee per unit of performance, or it could be based on the performance level of the contract by setting payment tiers or incentives for meeting or exceeding certain performance levels.
When determining payment terms, the parties should be careful to ensure that the payment arrangement is fair and equitable for both parties.
5. Establishing a Penalty for Non-performance
The parties should also consider establishing a penalty for non-performance in the quantity provision. This penalty should be commensurate with the level of performance not achieved.
For example, if the performance level is below the minimum level, the penalty could be a flat fee or a percentage of the payment due. Alternatively, if the performance level is over the maximum level, the penalty could be a reduction or disqualification of certain payment arrangements.
6. Specifying an Adjustment for Changes in Performance
The parties should also consider establishing a provision in the quantity provision for adjusting performance levels due to unforeseen changes in the market or due to changes in the contract. This could include a percentage increase or decrease to the minimum or maximum performance level, or a different payment structure based on the actual performance level achieved.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, the establishment of a quantity provision in contracts should be carefully considered. A comprehensive and equitable quantity provision can set out the expectations for performance and the amount of payment to be received by the parties in a clear and concise manner.