How often should benchmarking be allowed?

Typically once a year or every two years; too frequent and it becomes disruptive, too rare and the contract drifts off market.

Who pays for the benchmarking exercise?

Usually the customer commissions it, but a common compromise is to split costs or shift them to the supplier if a large gap is found.

What qualifies as a like-for-like comparison?

The comparison must account for the same service scope, volumes, SLA levels, and support model. A benchmark that ignores customisation or scale will produce a misleading result.

What happens if the supplier disputes the benchmarker's findings?

The clause should set an escalation path: discussion within a set period, then referral to an independent expert whose decision is final and binding.

Can the supplier refuse to adjust prices after a benchmark?

Only if the clause gives discretion rather than a binding obligation. Customers should insist on automatic adjustment or, at minimum, a clear termination right if the supplier refuses.

Benchmarking Clause

Lets a customer periodically test contract pricing or service levels against the wider market.

Ce que c'est

A benchmarking clause gives the customer a right to have an independent expert compare the supplier's prices and service levels against a representative market sample. If the contract is materially out of line, the parties adjust the terms.

Pourquoi c'est important

In long outsourcing or managed-service deals, prices set at signing can drift far above market over several years. Benchmarking keeps a long contract competitive without forcing the customer to re-tender.

Comment l'appliquer

Define the comparison sample, the metrics benchmarked, and how often it may be run.
Appoint a neutral benchmarker and agree who bears the cost of the exercise.
Set a materiality threshold that triggers a price or service adjustment.
State the consequence: automatic adjustment, renegotiation, or a termination right.

Conseils de négociation

• Suppliers should require a like-for-like comparison reflecting volume and service scope.
• Customers should secure a binding adjustment rather than a mere obligation to discuss.

Pièges courants

• A vague comparison basis that lets the supplier dismiss any unfavourable result.
• No consequence attached to the benchmark, making the clause toothless.

Références juridiques

BW 6:248 Reasonableness and fairness Droit néerlandais

Sauf mention contraire, les références renvoient au droit néerlandais (Burgerlijk Wetboek, le Code civil néerlandais) ; les instruments de l'UE tels que le RGPD s'appliquent dans toute l'UE. Il s'agit d'informations générales, pas de conseils juridiques. D'autres juridictions traitent ces concepts différemment. Vérifiez le texte en vigueur et votre situation avec un avocat qualifié.

Foire aux questions

Questions courantes sur cette clause.