Inside the formation workshop
One question from our eight contract-law workshops. The student attempt and mentor-style feedback below are illustrative, not a real student submission or feedback authored or approved by Mona.
The question · Formation: shop-window sale
Dana puts a notice in her shop window: vintage record player for sale, $150, first in cash takes it. Ben messages that he will take it for $150 but needs to pick it up Thursday. Dana does not reply. On Wednesday Chloe walks in, pays $150 cash, and Dana sells it to her. Ben says he already had a binding contract.
Example student attempt
Ben has a contract because Dana advertised the player for $150 and Ben agreed to pay that amount. Dana should have kept it for him until Thursday.
Illustrative mentor feedback
Your answer assumes that a priced display is an offer. Start by explaining why a shop-window display is ordinarily an invitation to treat. Then test whether “first in cash takes it” changes that reading.
Apply the precise words to Ben’s conduct: he sent a message, but did not tender cash. Do not treat agreeing on price as performing the required act. If the notice is only an invitation to treat, explain why Ben’s message still needs Dana’s acceptance. Her silence alone does not supply it.
Your next attempt: write two short paragraphs, one for each reading of the notice. In each, identify the offer, what would count as acceptance and the fact that decides Ben’s claim. Then give your conclusion.
In your workshop, submit your own reasoning to open the model answer. Return to your saved submission to read your mentor’s feedback.
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