Offer is an expression of willingness to enter into a legally binding contract on the terms proposed once the offer is accepted. This letter is an offer since the terms proposed are complete and it is communication to the offered. The letter was definitely sent to Andrew by mistake since the company makes this offer only to their regular customers and to those who have signed long term supply contract. Andrew did not satisfy both these conditions.
According to the case of McMahon v Gilbert & Co, the ‘reward’ for each returned soft drink bottle is made to their customer only. Technically, the bottle dealer is not their customer and therefore the case was invalid. In conclusion, although Andrew replied to the offer before the deadline, the company has no legal obligation to supply Andrew. Question 2 In this situation, Sarah has met the term of the offer as she has expressed willingness to enter into a legally binding contract.
The reply from Sarah shows that she agreed to accept the offer for 300 tones. Her request to collect the fertilizers in early October is merely a request for information since she is willing to pay for the delay. It is not a counter offer by Sarah as she is willing to collect he fertilizers if the company does not agree to her request. Therefore, the offer is still valid as she was only requesting for more information. Similarly, in the case of Stevenson v McLean, the plaintiffs telegraph was only a request for information and is not a counter offer.
Thus, the offer has legal obligation to sell to the plaintiff since he has accepted the offer via post. The email sent by the company to Sarah on 21 July to revoke the offer is invalid because she has already accepted the offer. Revocation of offer can only be done before the communication of acceptance by the offered. The method of reply used by Sarah through email is valid as long as it is not less advantageous to the offer although the offer was sent via post.
In conclusion, the company has the legal obligation to supply fertilizers to Sarah since her acceptance of offer is valid. Question 3 Acceptance of an offer is valid only if it is complete and unqualified. Bert replied via email before the deadline but his acceptance is not mirror image of the offer. He wanted the company to deliver the fertilizers to his vineyard since it is beside one of the listed depot. This term wasn’t part of the offer made by the company.
