10. An introduction to the sale of goods

Abstract

This chapter discusses the law relating to the sale of goods, which lies at the heart of commercial law and regulates sales of different kinds from domestic retail to cross-border Internet transactions. Sale of goods law also lies at the heart of other aspects of commercial law, such as the law of agency, where agents are often appointed solely for the purpose of selling their principal’s goods. Contracts for finance and for insurance are further examples of transactions that often depend on the sale of goods for their entire purpose. It must be noted that a contract of sale is still a contract, even if it has special features. Therefore, all elements for establishing the contract must be present, these being offer, acceptance, consideration, certainty, and the intention to create legal relations.