2) Formation Flashcards
formation of a valid k requires
1) offer (un-terminated)
2) acceptance
3) consideration
offer (elements)
1) outward manifestation
2) signal that acceptance will conclude the deal
outward manifestation can be
oral, written, conduct
outward manifestation EXCEPTION
reasonable person would consider much too good to be true –> not an offer
is a joke an offer?
yes, if seemingly serious
is an advertisement an offer?
no –> invitation for offer (responses could exceed supply)
is an ad an offer EXCEPTION
YES an offer if language identifies who gets goods if excess demand (first 10 customers, first come first served)
is a reward an offer?
yes
effect of terminating an offer
now can’t accept!
ways to terminate an offer:
1) lapse
2) death/incapacity
3) revocation by offeror
4) rejection by offeree
lapse (def)
too much time passes
how much time before a lapse? (terminates offer)
1) time stated in offer or
2) reasonable time
3) face-to-face conversation rule
reasonable time factors (for lapse)
1) subject matter / market conditions
2) degree of urgency / means of transmission
face to face conversation rule
offer in F2F conversation lapses at end of convo (unless stated otherwise)
death/incapacity (def) (re terminating offer)
death/incapacity of either party terminates power of acceptance
revocation (terminates offer): elements
1) must be revoked before acceptance AND
2) revocation must be communicated to offeree (indirect ok)
(and, not prevented)
indirect revocation: elements
1) offeror takes action inconsistent w intent to go through w the offer AND
2) offeree learns of the action from a reliable source
ways to PREVENT revocation:
1) option k (CL only)
2) firm offer (UCC only)
3) reliance/construction (kinda)
4) unilateral k: start performance
option k (as way to prevent revocation): elements
- CL ONLY*
1) separate promise to keep offer open AND
2) consideration (or other valid enforcement mechanism)
can offeror revoke if gave specific time to accept?
at CL YES unless an option k with separate consideration
reliance/construction (as way to prevent revocation)
courts will hold offer open if offeree has detrimentally relied (GC relying on subcontractor’s bid)
firm offer under UCC (as way to prevent revocation): elements
- UCC only*
1) offer by merchant AND
2) in writing signed by merchant AND
3) expressly states will be held open (max 3 mo)
how to prevent revocation: CL vs UCC
CL needs option k w consideration,
UCC can have firm offer, w/o consideration
merchant (def)
in the business of buying or selling goods
does email/etc count as a signed writing?
yes
UCC firm offer – open for how long?
1) amount of time it says,
2) reasonable time if dn say
BUT MAX 3 MO no matter what it says
begin performance on unilateral k (as a way to prevent revocation)
beginning performance creates option k, now can’t revoke. Must BEGIN performance, not just PREPARATIONS
rejection (terminates offer): ways
1) outright rejection
2) counteroffer
3) nonconforming acceptance (CL only)
CL vs UCC: nonconforming acceptance
CL: it’s a rejection and counteroffer bc mirror image rule
UCC: it’s an acceptance! (battle of the forms re terms)
effect of a counteroffer
rejection of old offer (terminates it) + new offer
counteroffer: exception
mere inquiry (“would you consider…”) dn terminate offer