According to mailbox rule in some common law countries, at which point the offeree’s acceptance will be effective?

According to mailbox rule in some common law countries, at which point the offeree’s acceptance will be effective?
A . When the letter of acceptance is opened and its contents read by the offeree.
B. When the letter of acceptance is received by the offeror.
C. When the letter of acceptance has been written.
D. When the letter of acceptance has been correctly addressed, its postage paid, and posted.

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

When parties do not negotiate face-to-face, a key QUESTION NO: becomes when things like acceptances, rejections and revocations take effect. The general rule is that acceptances are effective on dispatch (when they are mailed). Everything else becomes effective when the offeror actually receives them. This idea is codified by the “mailbox rule” which states that acceptance is effective on dispatch, even before the offeror has received it. (The one minor exception to this rule involves option contracts for which acceptances are not effective until they are received by the offeror.)

Reference:

– The Mailbox Rule

– CIPS study guide page 34