Colby Contracts in Writing (By E-Mail) to Sell His Dodge-Brand

question 36

Essay

Colby contracts in writing (by e-mail) to sell his Dodge-brand pick-up truck to Efrem for $10,500. Colby agrees to deliver the truck on Monday morning, and Efrem promises to pay the $10,500 on Monday. On Thursday, Efrem e-mails Colby that he changed his mind and will not buy the truck. Colby does not respond. Over the weekend, Efrem changes his mind again and tenders $10,500 to Colby on Monday. Colby has not sold the truck to another party but refuses the tender and refuses to deliver. Efrem claims that Colby has breached their contract. Colby contends that Efrem's repudiation released him from his duty to perform under the contract. Who is correct, and why?

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Definitions:

Win-Lose Claims

Situations in negotiations or disputes where one party's gain is directly at the expense of another, creating a winner and a loser.

Principled

Operating according to ethical standards and specific, often moral, principles.

Avoidance

Pretends that a conflict doesn’t really exist.

Authoritative Command

A management style where leaders make decisions without consulting subordinates, relying on their authority for compliance.