Variation by agreement

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code 33 11-1-303 section or elsewhere in this title, the effect of provisions of this title may be varied by agreement. (b) The obligations of good faith, diligence, reasonableness, and care prescribed by this title may not be disclaimed by agreement. The parties may by agreement determine the standards by which the performance of such obligations is to be measured if such standards are not manifestly unreasonable. Whenever this title requires an action to be taken within a reasonable time, a time that is not manifestly unreasonable may be fixed by agreement. (c) The presence in certain provisions of this title of the phrase “unless otherwise agreed” or words of similar import does not imply that the effect of other provisions may not be varied by agreement under this Code section. History. Code 1981, § 11-1-302, enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 996, § 3A-1/SB 65. 11-1-303. Course of performance, course of dealing, and usage of trade. (a) A “course of performance” is a sequence of conduct between the parties to a particular transaction that exists if: (1) The agreement of the parties with respect to the transaction involves repeated occasions for performance by a party; and (2) The other party, with knowledge of the nature of the performance and opportunity for objection to it, accepts the performance or acquiesces in it without objection. (b) A “course of dealing” is a sequence of conduct concerning previous transactions between the parties to a particular transaction that is fairly to be regarded as establishing a common basis of understanding for interpreting their expressions and other conduct. (c) A “usage of trade” is any practice or method of dealing having such regularity of observance in a place, vocation, or trade as to justify an expectation that it will be observed with respect to the transaction in question. The existence and scope of such a usage must be proved as facts. If it is established that such a usage is embodied in a trade code or similar record, the interpretation of the record is a question of law. (d) A course of performance or course of dealing between the parties or usage of trade in the vocation or trade in which they are engaged or of which they are or should be aware is relevant in ascertaining the meaning of the parties’ agreement, may give particular meaning to specific terms of the agreement, and may supplement or qualify the 34 11-1-305 terms of the agreement. A usage of trade applicable in the place in which part of the performance under the agreement is to occur may be so utilized as to that part of the performance. (e) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (f) of this Code section, the express terms of an agreement and any applicable course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade shall be construed whenever reasonable as consistent with each other. If such a construction is unreasonable: (1) Express terms prevail over course of performance, course of dealing, and usage of trade; (2) Course of performance prevails over course of dealing and usage of trade; and (3) Course of dealing prevails over usage of trade. (f) Subject to Code Section 11-2-209, a course of performance is relevant to show a waiver or modification of any term inconsistent with the course of performance. (g) Evidence of a relevant usage of trade offered by one party shall not be admissible unless that party has given the other party notice that the court finds sufficient to prevent unfair surprise to the other party. History. Code 1981, § 11-1-303, enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 996, § 3A-1/SB 65. 11-1-304. Obligation of good faith.