What Goes Into a Manufacturing Contract?

In the manufacturing industry, there are over 15,000 different types of contracts. Whether you’re looking for a product supplier or seeking to outsource your production, having a contract is essential. But with so many options and moving parts, what exactly should a manufacturing contract include?

If your business is looking for a reliable product supplier, you’ll need to enter into a manufacturing contract with them. This document outlines the expectations and obligations of both parties. It’s essential that it includes key details like production timelines and pricing.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what goes into a manufacturing contract, so you can be sure that your business is protected.

Read on to discover the utility of product outsourcing and how to support it with a contract.

Manufacturing: The Primary Purpose & Benefit of the Manufacturing Agreement

The primary purpose of any agreement is to establish a clear understanding between the two businesses. Usually, but not always, a manufacturer and their customer.

By having everything in writing, both parties can avoid misunderstandings. Ones that could lead to serious problems down the road.

Also, a well-written manufacturing contract can provide significant protection for your business. This is in the event that something goes wrong with the production process.

For example, if they deliver a subpar product, you’ll likely be able to get out of the contract. However, it’s important to remember that a manufacturing contract is legally binding.

You’ll need to be sure that you’re comfortable with all of the terms before you sign on the dotted line.

A manufacturing contract should always include the following:

  1. A description of the product or service to be provided
  2. The quantity of products or services to be delivered
  3. The price of the products or services
  4. The delivery date(s) for the products or services
  5. Any other specific terms and conditions that apply to the agreement

With these key details in place, both parties will know exactly what is expected of them, and there will be no room for misinterpretation.

This can save a lot of time and money down the road, so it’s well worth taking the time to get everything right from the start.

Let’s take a look at each of these in greater detail.

Description of Product/Service 

The first thing that should be subject to inclusion in any manufacturing contract is a clear and concise description.

This will ensure that both parties are on the same page from the outset, and it will prevent any misunderstandings about what is being delivered.

Yet, it’s important to remember that a description of the product or service is not the same as a specification.

A specification outlines all of the technical details about the product or service. This can include things like dimensions, materials, and performance standards.

In contrast, a description is more general and should be easy for anyone to understand.

Quantity of Product/Service

The second key detail is the number of services delivered.

This ensures that both parties know how much needs to be produced or supplied. It can help to avoid any disputes about over- or under-delivery.

Also, if you’re paying by the unit, this will ensure that you’re only charged for the products or services that you receive.

Price of Product/Service

Another vital piece of information in a manufacturing contract is the price of the products or services.

This ensures that both parties are aware of the agreed-upon price, and it can help to avoid any misunderstandings about how much needs to be subject to payment.

Delivery Date of Product/Service 

In addition to the price, the delivery date(s) for the products or services must be in a manufacturing contract. Product development terms are very important.

This ensures that both parties are aware of when the products or services get delivered. It can help to avoid any issues with late or missed deliveries.

Terms & Conditions

Finally, any other specific terms and conditions that apply to the agreement should also be subject to inclusion in the contract. Quality control is also critical to this.

This could include details about payment terms, warranties, or anything specific to the agreement. By including all relevant information in the contract, both parties can be sure that they are aware of all the terms.

What a Manufacturing Contract Shouldn’t Have

Now that we’ve discussed what should be included in a manufacturing contract, let’s take a look at what shouldn’t be included.

A manufacturing contract should only include information that is relevant to the agreement. This means that any extraneous information

For instance, details about unrelated products or services should be omitted. Including irrelevant information could lead to confusion and misinterpretation. It’s best to stick to the essentials.

Any terms or conditions that are illegal or unenforceable should also be omitted from a manufacturing contract. Including such terms could invalidate the entire agreement, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. 

Finally, any information that is inaccurate or outdated should also be excluded. This could include outdated prices, delivery dates, or product descriptions. This could include outdated prices, delivery dates, or product descriptions.

Including inaccurate information could lead to misunderstandings and disputes down the road. It’s best to make sure that all the information in the contract is accurate and up-to-date. 

Manufacturing Contracts Done Right

A manufacturing contract is essential for businesses that are looking for product suppliers. This document outlines the expectations and obligations of both parties. It’s important that it includes key details like production timelines and pricing.

By including all the information in a manufacturing contract, businesses can avoid misunderstandings. They can ensure that both parties are aware of their obligations. 

Get in touch with us to find the right manufacturing companies and draft appropriate contracts for your needs.