Making a contract
Be careful when you make promises, or pay someone to do something. Even if nothing’s in writing, it can still be a legal contract. Here’s what to look out for.
What you should know
First, let’s go over the basics of a contract:
the parties must agree on the terms, having a “meeting of the minds”
there must be an exchange of something of value
both parties must want the “transaction” to be binding
What is a meeting of the minds?
When two people are on the same page about something, when each just “gets” what the other one means, that’s a “meeting of the minds.” In contract law, a “meeting of the minds” happens when one side makes an offer and the other side accepts it. They’re in agreement about what they’re agreeing to.
There can be verbal negotiations leading to an agreement, the two sides closing the distance before coming to terms. Or it can happen without any real formalities, as when you buy something from a shop. Offer, acceptance: done.
The offer must be capable of being accepted by the other party by just saying “yes.” So, a generic “for sale” sign on a used car is not an offer, because there is no price.
Up until an offer is accepted, the person making it can withdraw it at any time. But if the offer is not withdrawn, it becomes binding as soon as it is accepted.
The acceptance of the offer must be an acceptance of, well, that specific offer. As it is. Any response that changes the terms (“You want $100 for that lawnmower but I’m willing to give you $90”) is considered a counteroffer. Now you’ve pushed reset. The counteroffer is the new offer, and no contract is formed until the other person accepts it.
What about quotes and estimates?
If someone gives you a quote, and you agree, that locks in the price. They can’t now charge you more. You made a contract.
An estimate is different. An estimate is just a seller’s “best guess” at a final cost. Could be a little less, could be a little more. If the estimate is within 20% of the final price, that’s usually considered close enough; the contract is likely enforceable. If the final price comes in more than 20% over the estimate, you have an argument not to pay in full.
Value exchanged
Value exchanged (your lawyer friend would call it consideration) means that each party gets and gives something. It doesn’t have to be an even deal, nor does it have to be apples-to-apples. (You can sell your bike in exchange for, say, five dog walks.) But, if you get a bike for free, you may have a hard time calling that transaction a contract.
What does "intention to be bound" mean?
For an agreement to be legally enforceable as a contract, both sides must intend to be bound by their promise. This doesn’t happen out loud; it gets inferred from behavior.
For example, offering a friend a ride in your car isn’t typically a contract. But what if you drive your friend to work three days a week in exchange for $20 each week towards gas? That’s looking like a contract. And your friend may have a claim if you don't show up.
Can anyone make a contract?
If you aren’t capable, you can’t make a contract. Capable means you understand the terms and want to be bound by them. If you have a disability, or if you don’t speak the language in the contract, this means you may not be capable.
How old does someone have to be to enter into a contract?
A person of any age can enter into a contract in BC. But special rules apply to minors (someone under 19). A minor can enforce a contract, but it can’t be enforced against them. So, if you hired Jimmy’s 17-year old son to paint your fence, he can get out of the contract without any penalty.
But if the contract is essential for their well-being (like, say, a lease of an apartment), then the contract can be enforced against a minor.
And once they reach 19, if they agree to be bound or start performing their end of the bargain, then it becomes an enforceable contract.
Does a contract have to be in writing?
In most cases, no. A contract is the agreement between people; a written document is usually just proof of the agreement. Some kinds of contracts must be in writing. For example:
when real estate is involved
any guarantee, which is where one party agrees to pay the debt of another person if that person can’t or won’t pay
More examples of contracts that must be in writing:
online or over the phone — when it’s entered into not in person and there is no opportunity to inspect what you are buying
a door-to-door sales contract
a payday loan agreement
Can a contract be made by email?
Agreements made in emails can be valid contracts, just as oral agreements can. It makes no difference if the agreement is set out on paper or in an electronic format. It also doesn’t have to be signed to be valid. Acceptance can be inferred from behaviour (or writing). An email may be the entire agreement or part of an agreement.
Subject matter has to be legal
You can’t enforce a contract for something illegal. (You can also get in trouble with the authorities!)
Take action
There’s a handful of steps to take before signing a contract.
Step 1. Do your research
Step 2. Negotiate with confidence
Step 3. Get it in writing
Step 4. Read and understand before signing
Step 5. Don’t rush!
Step 1. Do your research
Before making a contract, gather information from credible sources (not just Google or Amazon). Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit source of product reviews. Visit the Consumer Reports website.
If you’re hiring a service provider such as a contractor or tradesperson, ask for the names and phone numbers of people they have worked for in the past. Call these folks up and ask: What was the quality of the work? Was it done on time and within budget?
Reach out to two or three service providers, and compare prices.
Step 2. Negotiate with confidence
When you make an offer to the seller or other party, speak with confidence. Be polite and reasonable, but firm. It’s common for the parties to go back and forth with changes to an agreement until they are both satisfied.
Step 3. Get it in writing
Even if it isn’t required, you should have a written agreement if you are exchanging something substantial, like:
buying or selling a car
hiring someone to do home improvements
buying or selling an electronic device
If a problem arises, you can go back to the written contract rather than argue over “who said what.” You can also use email to confirm terms you agree to orally. Doing so can be very helpful if you later disagree as to what were the terms.
Ready to get started? We've got a resource to help. It's a step-by-step walkthrough of how to write a legal contract. Great news: the agreement doesn’t have to be many pages long, nor full of the mumboest of jumbo.
Step 4. Read and understand any contract
Read the fine print on any contract before you sign. Don’t take signing lightly.
Go over every section of the document, including any text on the reverse side of printed pages.
Ask the other party to explain what things in the agreement mean if you don’t understand them.
Fill in all areas of the document or put a line through them if there are blank spaces.
You can cross out parts you do not agree with. (Make sure both parties initial any changes.)
Step 5. Don't rush the decision
If the other party makes a counteroffer to your original offer and you’d like to think about it, that’s OK. You can stop the deal if you feel like you’re being pressured into paying too much or buying additional features. Don’t succumb to FOMO.
Who can help
If you need help with consumer-related issues, consider getting in touch with the following agencies.
Consumer Protection BC
Assistance relating to certain types of consumer problems and contracts in BC.
Better Business Bureau
Might not solve problems, but helps people find businesses they can trust.
Competition Bureau
Deals with complaints about false or misleading advertising.
If you find yourself in a pickle over a contract, consider getting legal advice. (Or, in the case of the third option, take a self-help approach.)
Lawyer Referral Service
Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice
Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income.
Civil Resolution Tribunal
Resolve disputes of less than $5,000 (and some other types of disputes) online 24/7 and without the need for a lawyer.
This information from People’s Law School explains in a general way the law that applies in British Columbia, Canada. The information is not intended as legal advice. See our disclaimer.