End client refusing to authorise final timesheet

[SueEllen]

Again.. Reasonable?? Your agents certainly like keeping it unclear don't they.

Did you have the contract checked? I'd be surprised if these meaningless terms weren't picked up. I would have queried it. The idea of the contract is to make these things clear. Not make a mess of any situation.

Unfortunately some terms will be defined with the word "reasonable" even if you do get it properly reviewed.

In this case if the OP had been sensible and got evidence e.g. got it agreed in writing that they were working remotely, as the agent is also losing money "reasonable" means they will in turn threaten the client with legal action.

[northernladuk]

Unfortunately some terms will be defined with the word "reasonable" even if you do get it properly reviewed.

In this case if the OP had been sensible and got evidence e.g. got it agreed in writing that they were working remotely, as the agent is also losing money "reasonable" means they will in turn threaten the client with legal action.

If you've got a case then just threatening them isn't reasonable IMO. Reasonable is getting the money rightly owed. Horrible word when trying to do business that.

[Lance]

If you've got a case then just threatening them isn't reasonable IMO. Reasonable is getting the money rightly owed. Horrible word when trying to do business that.

many years ago I did some work with CA (before the CEO was banged up for fraud). We were writing an SLA for a client. We were going to put 'best endeavours' in a clause about supporting some Windows NT 3.5 workstations that were out of MS support.
CA lawyers refused as they said that 'best' implies that you could bankrupt yourself fixing something. So the word used was 'reasonable'. It was designed to be mealy-mouthed and unenforceable.

[SueEllen]

If you've got a case then just threatening them isn't reasonable IMO. Reasonable is getting the money rightly owed. Horrible word when trying to do business that.

You have to "threaten" before you take legal action. Obviously you "request" first that you are paid in the normal way.

[northernladuk]

many years ago I did some work with CA (before the CEO was banged up for fraud). We were writing an SLA for a client. We were going to put 'best endeavours' in a clause about supporting some Windows NT 3.5 workstations that were out of MS support.
CA lawyers refused as they said that 'best' implies that you could bankrupt yourself fixing something. So the word used was 'reasonable'. It was designed to be mealy-mouthed and unenforceable.

Absolutely. I take that out everytime I see it but 'reasonable' is the standard fall back which opens a different can of worms.

[SueEllen]

Absolutely. I take that out everytime I see it but 'reasonable' is the standard fall back which opens a different can of worms.

"Reasonable" is finally determined by the judge.

Companies not run by complete crooks ensure things are concluded before a judge rules as they have a reputation to maintain.

[northernladuk]

"Reasonable" is finally determined by the judge.

Companies not run by complete crooks ensure things are concluded before a judge rules as they have a reputation to maintain.

Which is really useful for the OP.