An informal purchase agreement is a contractual agreement between two parties for the sale of goods or services, which is typically not governed by formal legal rules. The agreement is typically made on an informal basis, with no formal documentation or legal representation.
While a formal purchase agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of the purchase in detail, an informal purchase agreement can be a verbal agreement, or it can simply be a handshake agreement between the buyer and seller. This type of agreement is common in small business transactions, where the parties involved may have a pre-existing relationship or familiarity with each other.
Despite not being legally binding, an informal purchase agreement still carries weight and can be enforced in court if there is evidence that the two parties had a mutual understanding of the terms of the sale. This understanding can be proven through documentation, such as emails or messages exchanged between the parties, or through witness testimony.
However, informal purchase agreements can also be risky for both parties, as the lack of formal legal protection can leave both sides vulnerable to disputes and misunderstandings. In some cases, one party may try to back out of the agreement or dispute the terms of the sale, leading to costly legal battles.
To ensure that an informal purchase agreement is as enforceable as possible, both parties should take steps to document the agreement and their understanding of the terms. This can include creating an email chain or messaging thread that outlines the terms of the sale, or recording the agreement in a written contract that is signed by both parties.
Overall, while informal purchase agreements can be a convenient way to facilitate small business transactions, it is important for both parties to be aware of the risks involved and to take steps to protect themselves and their interests. By documenting the agreement and ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms of the sale, both parties can minimize the risk of disputes and legal action.