Standard terms and conditions

Purpose of standard terms and conditions

Standard terms and conditions may be used by a party in both the sale and the purchase of goods and/or services to:

1. •

   ensure favourable terms are in place (which will naturally differ whether a party is selling or buying goods and/or services)

2. •

   enable the party or its employees to conclude contracts without recourse to legal advice and/or senior employees

3. •

   reduce costs and expenses in completing transactions

4. •

   standardise the terms used in the business

For more information, see Practice Note: Standard terms and conditions—advantages and disadvantages. See: Determining whether standard terms and conditions should be used (B2B)—checklist to help a business establish whether it should be using its standard terms and conditions for a particular transaction or whether it is more appropriate to use a bespoke contract.

Incorporating standard terms and conditions

In order for a contract to exist between two parties there must be:

1. •

   a valid offer