Difference between Offer and Invitation to Offer

Edited By Ritika Jonwal | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:46 PM IST

It is important to distinguish between an offer and an invitation to make an offer. An invitation to offer (treat) is a request for someone to make a proposal, whereas an offer is a proposition. An invitation to treat primarily asks the other party to initiate discussions and make an offer to the seller, but an offer immediately permits the other party to engage in a contract—that is, a legally binding agreement—as soon as it is accepted. Although it may appear difficult, we frequently observe this very fundamental difference in our daily lives. Visiting a bookshop and seeing the books on display serves as an invitation to the public from the bookseller. Visitors to the store cannot come in and purchase one of his books. Nobody is required by law to take any action in this situation. Similar to this, the majority of adverts are solicitations to make offers rather than genuine offers. The topics of offer and invitation to make an offer is provided under the legal studies. Let's examine the definitions of the offer and invitation to offer separately to completely appreciate the differences.

This Story also Contains

What is an Offer?
What is an Invitation to offer (treat)
Important Distinctions Between an Invitation to Offer and an Offer
Commonalities Between an Invitation to Offer and an Offer
Comparison Between an Invitation to Offer and an Offer
Conclusion

Difference between Offer and Invitation to Offer

What is an Offer?

The Indian Contract Act 1872 Section 2(a) defines the terms offer and proposition. The Act states that "one person is said to propose" when "he signifies to another his willingness to do or abstain from doing something to obtain the assent of the other to such an act or abstinence."

An offer is a way for someone to indicate to someone else their desire to do or not do something in exchange for their assent. If such a person accepts the offer, there can be a legitimate contract. An offer ought to be precise, assured, and comprehensive in every way. It needs to be informed to the person to whom it is addressed. The parties to the offer are bound by it legally. The following categories of offers exist:

Offers presented to the general public are referred to as general offers.
Particular offer: The kind of offer provided to a specific individual.
Cross Offer: A cross offer occurs when two parties to a contract accept one another's offer without knowing the other's original offer.
Counter Offer: A Counter Offer is a different kind of offer when the offeree accepts it after changing the terms and circumstances, even though they did not accept the first offer.
A standing Offer is an offer that is issued to the general public and is available for acceptance for a certain amount of time.

Advantages of Offer

To complete a deal or influence someone to do something, make sure your offer is clear and precise.
Offers have the power to instil a sense of scarcity or urgency in others, pushing them to act fast.
Offers can be used to reward recurring business or client loyalty.
They can be applied to the marketing and promotion of goods and services.
Offers can be used to measure customer behaviour and test the market.
Offers may also be utilised to set a company apart from its rivals and make a statement in the industry.

Disadvantages of Offer

Creating and promoting offers may be costly, particularly if they include discounts or freebies.
If the offer is excessively generous, it may result in lower profit margins.
Offers may set up customers' expectations for ongoing sales and discounts, which may be challenging to maintain over time.
If offers are made for low-value items or too frequently, they may give the impression that they are not as good as they seem.
Offers that are excessively complicated or poorly explained may also cause misunderstanding.
There's always a chance that an offer won't work out, which would mean lost money and resources.

What is an Invitation to offer (treat)

An act that precedes an offer in which one person persuades another to make an offer to him is referred to as an invitation to offer. An invitation to offer becomes an offer when the other party responds suitably.
It is made available to the public to solicit proposals and negotiate the conditions under which the contract is established.
The purpose of the invitation to offer is to disclose to the general public the terms and circumstances under which a person would be interested in signing a contract with the other party.
The former party is encouraging others to offer him, even though he is not the offeror because he is not making an offer.
As a result, the acceptance is only an offer and not a contract. The offer made by the other parties becomes a legally enforceable agreement when accepted by the former party.

Advantages of Invitation to Offer

Flexibility: The terms of the agreement can be negotiated and customised between the parties with the help of an invitation to offer.
Clarity: An invitation to offer can assist avoid misunderstandings and disagreements by outlining the terms and conditions of the offer in plain and concise words.
Openness: An offer is competitive and may result in better deals if it is extended to all possible parties.
Formality: An invitation to offer is less formal than a contract, which makes participation in it easier and less frightening for parties.
Time: An invitation to offer does not have to be accepted right away, giving both parties time to think it over and conduct further negotiations.
Revocability: An offeror has the option to modify their offer in the event that circumstances change by withdrawing their invitation to offer at any point before it is accepted.
Legal protection: Until the offeree accepts an invitation to offer, it is not legally binding, giving both parties legal protection pending the formation of a legally binding contract.

Disadvantages of Invitation to Offer

Misunderstandings: An invitation to offer may cause misunderstandings or uncertainty over the offer's parameters.
Lack of clarity: Until an invitation to offer is accepted, it is not a legally binding agreement, which may cause ambiguity for both sides.
Time-consuming: It can take some time to negotiate and modify the parameters of an invitation to offer, which could cause the transaction to take longer to complete.
Risk-factor: In an invitation to offer there's always a risk of the offer being successfully fulfilled or not. If the offer fails to reach the right outcome it may lead to loss and waste of valuable resources.

You may also read

Important Distinctions Between an Invitation to Offer and an Offer

Acceptance: An invitation to offer cannot be accepted as it is not a legally binding proposition, but an offer may be accepted, refused, or counteroffered.
Objective: An invitation to offer, sometimes called an invitation to treat, is a declaration of intent to negotiate or engage in a contract, whereas an offer is a precise and explicit proposition made by one party to another to enter into a legally binding agreement.
Binding nature: When an offer is accepted, a legally binding contract is formed; an invitation to offer, on the other hand, does not.
Revocation: An invitation to make an offer is non-binding as it is not a legally binding proposition, but an offer may be withdrawn before it is accepted.
Advertising: Advertising is not so much an offer as it is an appeal to the public to make an offer to buy the products or services that are being marketed.
Examples: A job offer, a suggestion to buy or sell a house or automobile, or a bid at an auction are a few instances of offers. A pricing list, a menu, or an item displayed at a store are a few instances of an invitation to make an offer.

Commonalities Between an Invitation to Offer and an Offer

Both demand that the other party be informed of the offer or invitation to make an offer.
Both demand that the conditions of the offer or invitation to offer be explicit and unambiguous.
The person making the offer or inviting someone to make an offer may withdraw or cancel either before it is accepted.
The other party may accept both, creating a binding legal agreement.
The other party may reject either, in which case a contract is not created.
An offer and an invitation to offer are declarations of intent to enter into a contractual contract.
To be eligible to engage in a contract, the person making the offer or invitation to offer must be of legal age.

Comparison Between an Invitation to Offer and an Offer

The following are the main distinctions between an invitation to offer and an offer in tabular format:

Differences between an offer and an invitation
Offer	Invitation to Offer
It is a person's indication of interest in getting permission from another person to do something or not.	It is a way for someone to show interest in another and provide an invitation to make an offer.
Agrees.	Following discussions, a contract is made.
Section 2(a) of the Indian Contract Act of 1872 makes this clear.	Not specified in the 1872 Indian Contract Act.
Necessary to get a consensus.	Not required to get a consensus.
An agreement is formed if the offer is accepted.	An invitation turns into an offer if the recipient accepts it.

Conclusion

In summary, it is important to distinguish between an offer and an invitation to offer because, in the course of discussions, a party may mistakenly think that it is accepting the seller's offer when, in reality, the party may be making its offer. In actuality, an offer comes before an invitation to offer. If the parties decide to engage in a contract, this is their opportunity to bargain and go over the terms they would want to agree upon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What distinguishes an invitation from an offer?

An invitation to treat is an invitation to negotiate or make an offer without the particular purpose of forming a legally binding agreement. On the other hand, an offer is a clearly stated request to engage in a legally binding contract with specified terms and conditions.

2. What distinguishes an invitation to bargain from an offer?

Offer: A declaration of intent to engage in a deal with certain conditions, usually including the amount and price. An invitation to a deal is a statement that resembles an offer but is not legally enforceable since it does not communicate a clear willingness to enter into a contract.

3. What distinguishes an invitation to treat from an offer for sale?

The opposite party may make an offer when they get an invitation to treat. On the other hand, an offer is often just accepted or rejected. The parties are obligated to each other by their respective pledges after the invitation to treat is accepted.

4. Is a tender an offer or a request for an offer?

A tender offer is an open call to all shareholders asking them to tender their shares for sale at a particular price within a specified window of time.

5. What distinguishes an invitation for something from an invitation to something?

Both are possible to be true. An invitation to enter a private exhibition at an art gallery, a wedding, or a birthday celebration.

6. What role does communication play in distinguishing between an offer and an invitation to offer?

Communication is crucial. An offer must be communicated clearly and completely to the offeree. An invitation to offer is often a more general communication, inviting negotiations or further proposals rather than presenting specific terms for acceptance.

7. How does the "postal rule" apply differently to offers versus invitations to offer?

The postal rule, which states that acceptance is effective when posted, applies to offers but not to invitations to offer. Since an invitation to offer isn't an offer, the postal rule doesn't come into play until an actual offer is made in response to the invitation.

8. How does the concept of "consideration" differ between an offer and an invitation to offer?

Consideration is a necessary element for a valid contract, but it's only relevant once an offer has been made and accepted. An invitation to offer doesn't involve consideration because it's not yet at the stage of contract formation.

9. How does the "objective test" apply in determining whether something is an offer or an invitation to offer?

The objective test looks at how a reasonable person would interpret the communication. If a reasonable person would believe that the communicator intended to be bound if the terms were accepted, it's likely an offer. If not, it's probably an invitation to offer.

10. How does the concept of "revocation" apply differently to offers and invitations to offer?

Revocation is the withdrawal of an offer before it's accepted. It applies to offers but not to invitations to offer. An invitation to offer can be withdrawn, but this isn't technically a "revocation" in legal terms.

11. What is the main difference between an offer and an invitation to offer?

An offer is a definite promise to be bound on specific terms, while an invitation to offer is merely an invitation to others to make offers. The key difference lies in the intent: an offer shows a willingness to enter into a contract, whereas an invitation to offer is just an attempt to solicit offers from others.

12. Can a price tag on a product in a store be considered an offer?

Generally, no. A price tag is typically considered an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. The display of goods with price tags in a store is usually an invitation for customers to make an offer to purchase, which the store can then accept or reject.

13. How does the concept of "intention to be legally bound" differ between an offer and an invitation to offer?

In an offer, there is a clear intention to be legally bound if the offer is accepted. An invitation to offer lacks this intention, as it's merely inviting others to make offers that may or may not be accepted.

14. Can an advertisement be considered an offer?

Generally, advertisements are considered invitations to offer, not offers themselves. However, there are exceptions where an advertisement may be specific enough to constitute an offer, especially if it includes clear terms and shows an intention to be bound.

15. What is the significance of the case Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Company in understanding offers?

This case established that an advertisement can, in certain circumstances, constitute an offer. It demonstrated that if an advertisement is specific enough and shows a clear intention to be bound, it can be considered an offer rather than an invitation to offer.

16. What is the legal significance of distinguishing between an offer and an invitation to offer?

The distinction is crucial for determining when a contract is formed. An accepted offer creates a binding contract, while an invitation to offer does not. This affects legal rights, obligations, and potential remedies in case of disputes.

17. What is the role of "certainty of terms" in distinguishing offers from invitations to offer?

Certainty of terms is crucial for an offer. An offer must have clear, definite terms that can be accepted to form a contract. An invitation to offer often lacks this certainty, as it's inviting further negotiation or clarification of terms.

18. Can a statement of future intention be considered an offer?

Generally, no. A mere statement of future intention is not an offer because it lacks the present commitment to be bound. It's more likely to be considered an invitation to offer or simply a statement of intent with no legal consequences.

19. Can an offer be implied, or must it always be express?

An offer can be implied from conduct, but it must still meet the criteria of an offer (clear terms, intention to be bound). An invitation to offer is more likely to be express, as it's inviting others to make offers.

20. What is the significance of the case Fisher v. Bell in understanding invitations to offer?

Fisher v. Bell established that displaying goods in a shop window with a price tag is an invitation to offer, not an offer. This case is crucial for understanding how everyday commercial practices are interpreted in contract law.

21. How does the concept of "invitation to treat" relate to invitations to offer?

"Invitation to treat" is another term for invitation to offer. Both terms refer to a situation where one party is inviting others to make offers, rather than making an offer themselves.

22. Can a letter of intent be considered an offer?

Generally, a letter of intent is not an offer but an invitation to offer. It usually expresses a willingness to negotiate rather than a commitment to specific terms. However, if it's very detailed and shows clear intention to be bound, it could potentially be an offer.

23. How does the concept of "puffery" in advertising relate to offers and invitations to offer?

Puffery, or exaggerated advertising claims, is generally not considered an offer. It's seen as too vague or subjective to constitute an offer and is more akin to an invitation to offer or simply promotional language with no legal effect.

24. How does the concept of "tender" fit into the offer vs. invitation to offer framework?

A request for tender is typically an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. The submitted tenders are offers, which the requesting party can accept or reject. This distinction is important in commercial and government contracting.

25. How does the concept of "auctions" fit into the offer vs. invitation to offer framework?

In most cases, an auctioneer's request for bids is considered an invitation to offer. Each bid is an offer, which the auctioneer can accept or reject. However, an auction "without reserve" may be considered an offer to sell to the highest bidder.

26. Can silence ever constitute an offer?

Generally, silence cannot constitute an offer. An offer requires a clear communication of terms and intention to be bound. Silence is typically too ambiguous to meet these criteria. However, silence might be considered an acceptance in very specific circumstances, but not an offer.

27. How does the concept of "bilateral" versus "unilateral" contracts relate to offers?

A bilateral contract involves an exchange of promises (offer and acceptance), while a unilateral contract involves a promise in exchange for an act. Both start with an offer, but the nature of acceptance differs. An invitation to offer doesn't directly lead to either type of contract.

28. Can an offer be made to the world at large?

Yes, an offer can be made to the world at large, as established in cases like Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Company. However, many apparent offers to the world are actually invitations to offer. The distinction depends on the specificity and intention shown.

29. How does the concept of "counter-offer" relate to the distinction between offers and invitations to offer?

A counter-offer can only be made in response to an offer, not an invitation to offer. When someone responds to an invitation to offer, they're making an offer, not a counter-offer. This distinction is important for understanding the negotiation process.

30. What is the role of "intention to create legal relations" in distinguishing offers from invitations to offer?

Intention to create legal relations is crucial for an offer but not necessary for an invitation to offer. An offer must show this intention, while an invitation to offer may lack it, being merely an invitation to enter negotiations.

31. What is the significance of the phrase "subject to contract" in determining whether something is an offer or an invitation to offer?

The phrase "subject to contract" typically indicates that the communication is an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It suggests that the parties are still negotiating and haven't yet reached the stage of making a definite offer.

32. How does the concept of "option contracts" relate to offers and invitations to offer?

An option contract involves an offer that is kept open for a specified time. It's distinct from both a standard offer and an invitation to offer, as it involves a separate agreement to keep the offer open.

33. What is the significance of the phrase "without obligation" in determining whether something is an offer or an invitation to offer?

The phrase "without obligation" typically indicates that the communication is an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It suggests that the communicator is not intending to be bound, which is a key characteristic of an invitation to offer.

34. How does the concept of "battle of the forms" relate to offers and invitations to offer?

The "battle of the forms" occurs when parties exchange standard forms with different terms. It raises questions about which document constitutes the offer and which the acceptance. This scenario highlights the importance of clearly distinguishing offers from other communications.

35. Can a price quotation be considered an offer?

Generally, a price quotation is considered an invitation to offer rather than an offer itself. However, if the quotation is very detailed and shows a clear intention to be bound if accepted, it could potentially be an offer. The specific circumstances and wording are crucial.

36. How does the concept of "firm offer" in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) relate to the distinction between offers and invitations to offer?

A "firm offer" under the UCC is a merchant's signed written offer that explicitly states it will be held open for a specific time. This is a special type of offer, distinct from both standard offers and invitations to offer, as it cannot be revoked for the stated period.

37. What is the significance of the case Partridge v. Crittenden in understanding invitations to offer?

Partridge v. Crittenden reinforced that advertisements are generally invitations to offer, not offers. It involved an advertisement for the sale of wild birds, which was held to be an invitation to treat rather than an offer to sell.

38. How does the concept of "preliminary negotiations" relate to offers and invitations to offer?

Preliminary negotiations are typically considered invitations to offer rather than offers themselves. They involve discussions and exchanges of information that may lead to an offer, but don't yet constitute a definite proposal capable of being accepted to form a contract.

39. Can a statement of price be considered an offer?

A mere statement of price is generally not considered an offer, but rather an invitation to offer. However, if the statement is accompanied by other details that show a clear intention to be bound if accepted, it could potentially be an offer. Context is crucial.

40. How does the concept of "request for proposal" (RFP) fit into the offer vs. invitation to offer framework?

A request for proposal is typically considered an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It invites potential suppliers or service providers to submit offers (proposals) which the requesting party can then accept or reject.

41. What is the significance of the case Gibson v. Manchester City Council in understanding offers?

Gibson v. Manchester City Council established that a clear intention to be bound is crucial for an offer. The court held that the council's letter was not an offer but an invitation to treat, as it lacked a definite commitment and invited further negotiation.

42. How does the concept of "cross-offers" relate to the distinction between offers and invitations to offer?

Cross-offers occur when two parties make identical offers to each other simultaneously, without knowledge of the other's offer. This scenario highlights the importance of communication in offer formation and acceptance, which doesn't apply to invitations to offer.

43. Can a menu in a restaurant be considered an offer?

Generally, a menu in a restaurant is considered an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It invites customers to make offers to purchase specific items. The restaurant can then accept or reject these offers, for example, if an item is out of stock.

44. How does the concept of "standing offer" relate to the distinction between offers and invitations to offer?

A standing offer is a continuous offer that can be accepted repeatedly over a period of time. It's distinct from both a standard offer and an invitation to offer. While it's an actual offer, its ongoing nature makes it somewhat similar to an invitation to offer in practice.

45. What is the significance of the case Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain v. Boots Cash Chemists in understanding invitations to offer?

This case established that displaying goods on shelves in a self-service store is an invitation to offer, not an offer to sell. The customer makes the offer when presenting goods at the checkout, which the store can accept or reject. This ruling has significant implications for modern retail practices.

46. How does the concept of "tickets" (e.g., for transportation or events) fit into the offer vs. invitation to offer framework?

The display or advertisement of tickets is generally considered an invitation to offer. The customer makes an offer to purchase when they request a ticket, which the seller can accept or reject. However, the specific terms and context can affect this interpretation.

47. Can a job advertisement be considered an offer?

Generally, a job advertisement is considered an invitation to offer, not an offer of employment. It invites potential employees to make offers (apply for the job). The employer can then accept or reject these offers. However, very specific ads with clear terms could potentially be offers.

48. How does the concept of "letters of comfort" relate to offers and invitations to offer?

Letters of comfort are typically not considered offers or even invitations to offer. They are usually statements of intent or support that don't create legal obligations. However, their exact nature depends on the specific wording and context.

49. What is the significance of the phrase "quotations subject to change without notice" in determining whether something is an offer or an invitation to offer?

This phrase typically indicates that the quotation is an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It suggests that the terms are not fixed and that the party is not intending to be immediately bound, which are characteristics of an invitation to offer.

50. How does the concept of "bait and switch" advertising relate to offers and invitations to offer?

"Bait and switch" advertising, where a seller advertises a product they don't intend to sell to lure customers, is generally considered an invitation to offer, not an offer. However, it may be illegal under consumer protection laws, regardless of its contract law status.

51. Can a brochure be considered an offer?

Generally, a brochure is considered an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It typically provides information to invite further inquiry or offers from potential customers. However, if a brochure contains very specific terms and shows a clear intention to be bound, it could potentially be an offer.

52. How does the concept of "tender offer" in corporate law relate to the contract law concepts of offer and invitation to offer?

A tender offer in corporate law is actually an offer to purchase shares, despite its name. It's more akin to a contract law offer than an invitation to offer, as it presents specific terms that shareholders can accept or reject.

53. What is the significance of the phrase "or nearest offer" (O.N.O.) in determining whether something is an offer or an invitation to offer?

The phrase "or nearest offer" typically indicates that the statement is an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It suggests that the terms are negotiable and that the party is inviting offers rather than making a definite proposal.

54. How does the concept of "request for information" (RFI) fit into the offer vs. invitation to offer framework?

A request for information is generally considered an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It's typically used to gather information from potential suppliers or partners, without any commitment to enter into a contract. It's even less binding than a request for proposal (RFP).

55. Can a statement like "make me an offer" be considered an offer?

No, a statement like "make me an offer" is clearly an invitation to offer, not an offer itself. It explicitly invites the other party to make an offer, which can then be accepted or rejected. This phrase clearly demonstrates the distinction between an offer and an invitation to offer.