Last updated December 21, 2023
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What is a Sales Agreement?
A Sales Agreement is a legally binding contract between a buyer and a seller that outlines the purchase of assets. It includes information about both parties, payment details, and warranties. It is also known as a Sales Contract.
This document is applicable for selling goods, such as cars, boats, electronics, animals, or artwork. If your transaction only involves services and not the sale of items, use a Service Agreement.
If your transaction involves the sale of real estate or a business, this template does not apply. Instead, you can use a Real Estate Purchase Agreement. Similarly, if you’re buying or selling a business, you should use a Purchase of Business Agreement.
A Sales Agreement is also known as a:
- Conditional sale agreement
- Sale of goods agreement
- Purchase agreement
Why is a Sales Agreement important?
A Sales Agreement can protect both buyers and sellers. Suppose a buyer doesn’t pay for the goods or a seller doesn’t uphold their end of the agreement, and the parties end up in a legal dispute. In that case, a Sales Agreement can be evidence that proves what terms were agreed upon.
More formal Sales Agreements will also have dispute resolution clauses that outline whether a conflict will go to mediation or arbitration. LawDepot's Sales Agreement gives you this option.
Also, Sales Agreements give buyers and sellers something to reference if they're ever unsure about their agreement terms. Having these details spelled out helps prevent miscommunication between the buyer and seller. Writing down an agreement is always superior to relying on a purely verbal deal.
When can I use a Sales Agreement?
You can use a Sales Agreement in the following situations:
- The sale of goods: Physical items or possessions (e.g., animals, exercise equipment, household appliances, vehicles, etc.).
- The sale of goods and related services: The purchase of a physical item and supplying additional services related to the item (e.g., a refrigerator and installing it).
The parties to a Sales Agreement can be individuals conducting a private sale or corporations. It doesn’t matter whether the buyer or seller creates the Sales Agreement—only that both parties agree to its terms and sign it.
What’s included in a Sales Agreement?
A Sales Agreement outlines:
- Details about each party
- The exchange of goods (and any related services)
- Price and payment details
- Delivery details
- Liability and warranty information
How do I write a Sales Agreement?
You can easily create a Sales Agreement by filling out LawDepot's questionnaire. Using our template will ensure you complete the necessary steps:
1. Specify your location
Start by specifying where your transaction is taking place. Our template is applicable in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Include the buyer's and seller's full names and addresses (e.g., street, city, country, and postcode).
3. Describe the goods
Provide a detailed description of the goods and services the seller is providing.
For example, provide a car’s make, model, year, colour, and VIN. If they’re providing a service, give a breakdown of every duty they perform.
Some descriptions will be more detailed than others, depending on the item for sale. For example, if someone is selling a horse, they may only be able to specify the breed, sex, age, and colour.
4. State the price and deposit details (if applicable)
Be sure to include the price of the goods in your Sales Agreement. If a deposit is also part of the agreement, state how much it is, when the buyer will pay it, and whether they’ll get the deposit back if the transaction isn’t completed.
5. Outline payment details
Outline how the buyer will pay the seller for the goods. The payment can either be a lump sum or made in instalments. If the buyer pays in instalments, specify whether payments will be regular or triggered by milestones.
Payment can come in the form of:
- Cash
- Bank certified cheque
- Cheque
- Banker’s draft
- Electronic bank transfer
Also, if the seller charges the buyer a penalty for late payments, include the interest rate percentage that will act as a penalty.
6. State delivery terms
You can include terms regarding where the seller will deliver the goods. The delivery can be at the buyer's address, the seller's address, or another specified location.
7. Include liability details
Liability addresses the goods' risk of loss or damage. By outlining liability terms, you determine who’s responsible for the item at each point of the transaction.
Use the Sales Agreement to specify when the seller is no longer liable for lost or damaged goods. The buyer usually takes over responsibility when the seller delivers the goods to the shipping carrier or when the buyer receives the goods.
8. Outline warranty info
The seller can either include a warranty on the goods or transfer them to the buyer “as is,” meaning they do not guarantee the quality of the goods. Often, people sell vehicles “as is” during private sales.
A warranty is a guarantee from the seller about the quality and condition of the goods.
Here are some of the guarantees a seller can make regarding an item:
- The goods are fit for ordinary use
- The seller owns the goods
- There are no claims or loans against the goods
- The goods do not infringe any patents or trademarks
9. Address dispute resolution
If necessary, the buyer and seller can include a dispute resolution clause in their Sales Agreement. They can either go to mediation or arbitration or start with mediation and then go to arbitration if mediation is unsuccessful.
10. Sign the agreement
The document has space at the bottom for the buyer and seller to sign the agreement. If you know the date the Sales Agreement will be signed, include it in the contract as well. Once the document is signed, the transaction is official.