Exclusivity statement in an email

[adelthefarmer]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Just started a brocker business. My partner wrote to a person (Joe) who will be sending us a quote for a type of coffee in another country. In our extensive research, there is only one producer of this type of product in that country.

In his email, my partner wrote to Joe: "we will also provide you with an exclusive on the coffee plants you have existing relationships with"

I have a found another brocker who can help us get the same product from the same supplier in that country for lot less.

If we use the brocker, are we legally breaching anything with Joe because of the statement in the email sent to him?

I will be gratefull for your reponse. Thank you.

[Stevef]

Originally Posted by adelthefarmer

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Just started a brocker business. My partner wrote to a person (Joe) who will be sending us a quote for a type of coffee in another country. In our extensive research, there is only one producer of this type of product in that country.

In his email, my partner wrote to Joe: "we will also provide you with an exclusive on the coffee plants you have existing relationships with"

I have a found another brocker who can help us get the same product from the same supplier in that country for lot less.

If we use the brocker, are we legally breaching anything with Joe because of the statement in the email sent to him?

I will be gratefull for your reponse. Thank you.

You probably need to have all of your correspondence reviewed by an attorney to determine if a contract has been formed.

The part you quoted sounds like part of a contract. I can't tell if the rest of a contract is there or not.

[adelthefarmer]

Hi Steve. Thanks for your response.
That is where my confusion is. We have no written contract or any prior documented correspondance with Joe. The email my partner sent went from we are looking forward to doing business with you...etc to the exclusivity statment i quoted. And that is what concerned me. I undesrtand an email can be considered as a proof of intent or even an agreement. I want to make sure I am not liable to Joe if we do order the coffee from the brocker based on that only statement. Thanks again

[xylene]

You are doing business as a commodity broker.

And you have no contracts or lawyers...

You need to have both of those things...

[adelthefarmer]

Thanks both. I understand that eventually, I need to hire a lawer soon and I will make sure to hire forn freeadvice.com. But can you at least answer my specific question.