This clause says you must get written permission before hiring someone else to do part of your work. It matters because if you subcontract without approval and something goes wrong, you remain legally responsible to the other party—but you can't control the subcontractor's quality. For example, if you're a marketing agency hired to run social media, you can't secretly hire a cheaper freelancer without permission. The legal principle is that you can't pass your obligations to someone else without the other party agreeing, even though you're still liable if they fail.
Try to negotiate this to say "approval not to be unreasonably withheld" rather than giving them total veto power. Ask for a list of pre-approved subcontractors upfront so you don't need to ask permission each time. If they reject a subcontractor, ask them to explain why in writing so you can find someone who meets their actual concerns. ---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this clause mean in simple terms?
This clause says you must get written permission before hiring someone else to do part of your work.
Why should I care about this clause?
It matters because if you subcontract without approval and something goes wrong, you remain legally responsible to the other party—but you can't control the subcontractor's quality.
What are my options?
For example, if you're a marketing agency hired to run social media, you can't secretly hire a cheaper freelancer without permission.
How does this affect small businesses?
The legal principle is that you can't pass your obligations to someone else without the other party agreeing, even though you're still liable if they fail.