What is the mailbox rule?
The mailbox rule, also known as the posting rule, is a default rule under contract law. The mailbox rule basically says that an offer is considered accepted when the acceptance is communicated. This could be through email or placed in the mailbox to be sent.

The example below shows how this rule can cause some confusion.

However, there are exceptions to the rule if outlined in the offer. The offer can state that the agreement has to be received by a certain date, and simply putting it in the mailbox does not formalize the agreement. For example, if the arrangement said that the acceptance must be received by April 4th, then if the acceptance is received on April 5th, then no contract was formed.

Back To All Questions
You might also be interested in...
-
CECL Excel Workbook
If you would like to use the Excel workbook that was used to create the Universal CPA lecture on CECL for debt securities, please click the link below to download the Excel workbook: CECL Calculation workbook (Universal CPA Review)
-
Journal Entry for Direct Materials Variance
Journal Entry for Direct Materials Variance In the current year, Mission Burrito budgeted 6,000 pounds of production and actually used 4,000 pounds. Material cost was budgeted for $5 per pound and the actual cost was $8 per pound. What would the debit or credit to the direct material efficiency variance account be for the current...
-
Understanding Variance Analysis
Variance Analysis Variance analysis is a method for companies to compare its actual performance vs its budgeted amount for that cost measurement (related to the flexible budget). The differences between the standard (budgeted) amount of cost and the actual amount that the organization incurs is referred to as a variance. By analyzing variances, the company...
CECL Excel Workbook
If you would like to use the Excel workbook that was used to create the Universal CPA lecture on CECL for debt securities, please click the link below to download the Excel workbook: CECL Calculation workbook (Universal CPA Review)
Journal Entry for Direct Materials Variance
Journal Entry for Direct Materials Variance In the current year, Mission Burrito budgeted 6,000 pounds of production and actually used 4,000 pounds. Material cost was budgeted for $5 per pound and the actual cost was $8 per pound. What would the debit or credit to the direct material efficiency variance account be for the current...
Understanding Variance Analysis
Variance Analysis Variance analysis is a method for companies to compare its actual performance vs its budgeted amount for that cost measurement (related to the flexible budget). The differences between the standard (budgeted) amount of cost and the actual amount that the organization incurs is referred to as a variance. By analyzing variances, the company...