An invitation to treat, also known as an invitation to negotiate or an invitation to bargain, is a statement or action by one party that indicates a willingness to enter into negotiations or enter into a contract. It is not a binding offer, but rather an invitation for the other party to make an offer.
In the context of contract law, an offer is a promise made by one party, the offeror, to another party, the offeree, to enter into a contract on specific terms. The offer must be clear and definite, and must be made with the intention of creating a legally binding contract.
The distinction between an invitation to treat and an offer is important because it determines who has the power to accept or reject the terms of a contract. If an invitation to treat is accepted, it becomes an offer, and the person accepting it becomes the offeror. If an offer is accepted, it becomes a legally binding contract.
There are several types of invitations to treat, including auctions, advertisements, and display of goods in a store. In an auction, the auctioneer invites bids from potential buyers, and the highest bidder wins the auction. This is an invitation to treat, as the auctioneer is not making a binding offer to sell the item. Similarly, advertisements and displays of goods in a store are also considered invitations to treat, as they are not binding offers to sell the goods.
In contrast, a binding offer is made when the offeror clearly and definitively expresses their willingness to enter into a contract on specific terms. The offeree has the power to accept or reject the offer, and if they accept it, the contract becomes legally binding.
In summary, an invitation to treat is a statement or action that indicates a willingness to enter into negotiations or enter into a contract, but is not a binding offer. An offer, on the other hand, is a promise made by one party to another to enter into a contract on specific terms, and is made with the intention of creating a legally binding contract. Understanding the distinction between an invitation to treat and an offer is important in the context of contract law, as it determines who has the power to accept or reject the terms of a contract.