Sales Agreement: Definition, Top Terms

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A sales agreement is a contract between a buyer and a seller that outlines the terms, conditions, and specifics of a transaction for selling goods or services. It elucidates the nature of the goods or services being exchanged, determines the purchase price, establishes payment terms, imposes delivery conditions, proffers warranties, and crafts dispute resolution mechanisms. It assures compliance with legal requirements and is an invaluable compass throughout the sales process.

What is a Sales Agreement?

A sales agreement is a legally binding contract that clarifies the terms of a transaction. Also known as a sales contract or an agreement to sell, this type of document generally involves two parties — the buyer is an individual or organization making a purchase, while the seller is an individual or organization selling the item in question.

You can use sales agreements to buy or sell either of the following:

• Goods: Physical objects, such as vehicles or machines.
• Goods and Services: A physical item and related services, such as maintenance or installation

Steps to Draft a Sales Agreement

Drafting a sales agreement is indispensable to a seamless and legally binding transaction. Below are the following steps to aid you in composing an all-encompassing sale agreement:

1. Identify the Parties. Identifying the parties involved in the transaction, including their legal appellations and addresses, ensures that both the buyer and seller can be held accountable for their obligations under the agreement.
2. Describe the Property/ Item. Furnishing an intricate depiction of the property or item being vented, encompassing pertinent particulars such as dimensions, locale, state, and exceptional attributes, provides a comprehensive understanding to prevent misunderstandings.
3. Specify the Terms and Conditions. Delineating the terms and conditions of the sale, encompassing the purchase price, method of payment, and any other monetary arrangements like installment payments or deposits, establishes the financial framework for the transaction.
4. Instill Trust. Enunciating any representations and warranties proffered by the seller regarding the property or item being sold instills trust and confidence in the transaction.
5. Disclose Encumbrances. Revealing any encumbrances or liens afflicting the property or item that may impinge upon the sale ensures transparency and protects the buyer's interests.
6. Deal with Contingencies. Tending to any contingencies, such as inspections, appraisals, or financing, necessitating fulfillment before the sale can be consummated helps streamline the process and avoid delays.
7. Define Closing Procedures. Outlining the procedures and responsibilities governing the culmination of the sale, encompassing the date, time, and location, sets a clear path toward finalizing the transaction.
8. Allocate Costs. Apportioning the costs associated with the sale, such as taxes, transfer fees, and title insurance, between the parties clarifies financial responsibilities.
9. Indemnify Parties. Instituting indemnification provisions specifying which party shall bear responsibility for any losses or damages arising after the sale establishes a mechanism for resolving post-sale disputes.
10. Govern Law and Dispute Resolution. Designating the governing law and delineating the dispute resolution process in the event of any disagreements between the parties provides a framework for resolving legal issues efficiently and fairly.

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When Do You Need a Sales Agreement?

Without a sales agreement, you may not be able to protect your investment, or you may inadvertently accept liability for something out of your control. That's why you should consider using a sales agreement any time you buy or sell goods that require more than a simple transfer of ownership. If you intend to deliver the goods at a future date or if you want to transfer liability to the other party, a sales agreement can help you protect yourself or your business.

A standard sales agreement includes the following safeguards:

• The buyer agrees to purchase certain goods or services, and the seller agrees to provide the requested number of goods and types of services.
• The buyer agrees to make a purchase on a specific timeline, and the seller agrees to provide the goods and services on or by that date.
• The buyer agrees to pay a certain price for the goods, and the seller agrees to accept that price.
• Either party has recourse if the other violates the sales agreement.

Essential Terms to be Included in a Sales Agreement

Although a sales agreement can have customized sections, it should typically include the following terms:

• Amendments: This element states the terms that both parties must follow to make any changes to the sales agreement, such as executing a written and signed agreement.
• Assignment : The assignment clarifies whether either party can transfer their rights to another party. This section may include terms for assignment, such as if the assigning party must have written permission.
• Buyer: This names the person who intends to purchase the goods or services.
• Delivery Details: This section lists any addresses, dates, or other terms if the seller has agreed to deliver the goods or services to the buyer.
• Deposit: This element clarifies whether the buyer must provide a portion of the full amount as a partial payment and assurance that the transaction will be completed. A sales agreement should also state whether or not the seller may refund the deposit if either party cancels the contract.
• Dispute Resolution: This element explains how the buyer and seller intend to resolve any disagreements that may arise. In most jurisdictions, options include litigation, arbitration, or mediation.
• Goods or Services: The goods or services section covers everything involved in the transaction. A sales agreement may include an attached schedule that describes or lists the quantity of the goods or services.
• Governing Law: This specifies which jurisdiction's law the agreement will follow in the event that the parties do business in different states or countries.
• Inspection: This states whether the buyer can examine the goods before the transaction is complete.
• Liability: This element confirms that the goods may experience loss or damage and clarifies which party takes responsibility for them throughout the transaction. The seller may transfer liability to the buyer at several points, including when they ship the goods, when the buyer confirms receipt, or when the buyer accepts ownership.
• Non-disclosure Agreement: Also referred to as an NDA, this clause states that the buyer will not use the seller's intellectual property or data to produce the same or similar goods.
• Notices: These clarify how the two parties intend to communicate about the transaction, such as via mail or email.
• Ownership: The ownership section states when the buyer assumes ownership of the goods, which is typically upon delivery.
• Payment Amount: Every sales agreement notes the full amount that the buyer owes the seller in this section.
• Payment Dates: The date by which the buyer has to pay for the goods or services is also included. If the buyer has to make a series of payments, the sales contract may also include a payment timetable including amounts and dates.
• Payment Method: This section specifies how the buyer can pay, such as with cash, a certified check, an electronic deposit, or a credit card.
• Seller: This names the person or organization that intends to sell the goods or services.
• Severability: This section states that all other aspects of the agreement remain valid even if one part proves unenforceable.
• Warranty : The warranty indicates the seller's guarantee regarding the condition of the state of the goods. Sellers can make a range of guarantees, such as claiming that the item has no claims against it or that it's in a reasonable condition for standard use. Sellers can also claim “as-is, which means that they make no guarantee about the goods' quality.

Benefits of a Sales Agreement

A sales agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of a sale between a seller and a buyer, serving as an important instrument in facilitating and protecting the interests of both parties involved in a transaction. Here are the key benefits of having a sales agreement:

• Offers Clarity and Understanding: A well-drafted sales agreement provides a clear, documented record of the sale's terms, preventing misunderstandings and disputes, which can help maintain a positive and professional business relationship.
• Ensures Legal Protection: Sales agreements are legally enforceable documents, offering remedies like damages or specific performance if either party fails to fulfill obligations, ensuring parties can seek swift legal redress if needed.
• Grants Warranty and Guarantee Terms: They explicitly specify any warranties or guarantees, ensuring buyer expectations and providing legal recourse if standards aren't met, which builds trust and confidence between the parties.
• Defines Price and Payment Terms: The agreement defines the purchase price and payment terms, minimizing potential payment disputes and ensuring financial transparency, promoting smooth and efficient financial transactions.
• Assists in Delivery and Acceptance Terms: It meticulously outlines delivery details and acceptance conditions for physical goods, thereby preventing delivery disputes and aiding in effective logistics management.
• Clarifies Title and Ownership Transfer: It unambiguously clarifies ownership and title transfer, which is particularly critical in real estate and high-value asset sales, providing clear legal guidelines and reducing disputes over ownership.
• Resolves Dispute: Some agreements include mediation or arbitration provisions for efficient and cost-effective conflict resolution, saving time and money, and preserving business relationships.
• Provides Confidentiality and Non-disclosure: In business transactions, robust confidentiality clauses protect sensitive information, enhancing security and fostering trust and discretion between the parties involved.
• Complies with Legal Requirements: Properly drafted agreements ensure strict compliance with relevant laws and regulations, mitigating risks associated with non-compliance and legal liabilities.
• Includes Record Keeping: They serve as invaluable transaction records, used as concrete evidence in disputes, for tax purposes, and meticulous record-keeping, facilitating organized, transparent, and accountable business practices.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Sales Agreement?

Although you can download and use a standard sales agreement as a contract, it's always in your best interest to contact an attorney. After all, a standard agreement may not provide you with adequate protection or shield you from liability. You can gain several advantages when you work with an experienced lawyer:

• Personalization: A knowledgeable lawyer can ensure that your sales agreement includes all the correct information, including optional clauses and disclosures. If you need to modify the language in a standard agreement, an attorney can ensure that it's legally binding.
• Liability: Any sales agreement you sign should limit the liability you accept during and after the transaction. An attorney can ensure that the contract limits your liability effectively.
• Protection: Whether you're the buyer or the seller, a sales agreement should offer sufficient protection. An experienced lawyer can confirm that your contract includes the right terms to ensure that you receive the stated goods, services, or compensation.

How is a Sales Agreement Different from a Bill of Sale?

A sales agreement is similar to a bill of sale, but the two documents have important differences . Unlike a sales agreement, a bill of sale:

• Transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.
• Lacks a detailed payment plan or a warranty.
• Includes fewer terms and provides less flexibility for either party

What are Some Alternatives to a Sales Agreement?

Although a sales contract can apply to many transactions, it isn't always the ideal document for an agreement between two parties. Ask your attorney whether one of these standard agreements may be a better fit for your situation:

• Real Estate Purchase Agreement : If the buyer intends to purchase a home, a commercial building, or another piece of property from the seller, a real estate purchase agreement may better clarify the transaction.
• Purchase of Business Agreement : If the seller intends to transfer ownership of a business to the buyer, a purchase of business agreement can clarify each party's rights and responsibilities.
• Services Agreement : If the seller is providing services or consulting rather than goods, a services agreement or professional services agreement (PSA) may better outline the transaction and protect both parties.
• Promissory Note : If the buyer must borrow funds to purchase goods or services, the lender typically requires a promissory note, which includes a payment plan and terms.

No matter what type of sales agreement you need, the ContractsCounsel team can help. Get a free proposal and move your transaction forward with a legally binding sales contract.

Final Thoughts on Sales Agreements

An ingeniously crafted and legally fortified sales agreement is vital in propelling secure and crystal-clear transactions. The agreement increases trust between participating parties by facing possible stumbling blocks, ensuring clarity, and providing alternatives for violations. Seeking professional legal counsel during the drafting process further fortifies its efficacy. Moreover, incorporating flexibility to accommodate shifting circumstances and advocating equitable bargaining practices contribute to a triumphant and mutually advantageous contractual relationship.

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ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.