What document is required to support a firm offer in the UCC?

In the context of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), a firm offer refers to an offer made by a merchant to buy or sell goods, which is given in a signed writing and assures that it will be held open for a certain period of time. The requirement for a signed written assurance from the offeror is crucial because it provides the necessary tangible evidence of the intent to keep the offer open and binding.

This requirement is established in UCC § 2-205, which indicates that a firm offer must be made by a merchant in writing and be signed by the offeror. The emphasis on a signed document helps to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the offeror is legally bound by the terms, which is important in commercial transactions where certainty and reliability are essential.

Other options, such as a verbal agreement or an email confirmation, do not meet the specific requirements of a firm offer under the UCC. While an email might seem like it could provide confirmation, it does not satisfy the signed writing requirement unless it contains an electronic signature or written assurance explicitly stating the intent to create a binding firm offer. Similarly, nothing being required does not align with the UCC’s stipulation for a firm offer, as the law explicitly spells out the conditions