Some contracts reserve the vendor's right to change pricing on its own terms — "at Vendor's then-current list price" or "upon thirty days' notice." That language means the number you negotiated is only guaranteed for the initial term; after that, the vendor can move it.
For an owner-operator this is how a good deal quietly erodes. The discount you fought for at signing is not protected at renewal, and increases tend to compound year over year. Combined with auto-renewal, you can end up paying materially more without ever approving it.
The fix is a contractual price cap: a maximum percentage increase per renewal (for example, no more than 3%, or tied to CPI). If the vendor will not commit to a ceiling, at least secure a long notice window so a surprise increase does not trap you into another term.
"Fees for each renewal term shall be at Vendor's then-current list price." — no ceiling; the vendor sets the number.
Related terms
Worried about this clause in your own contract?
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