What does acceptance of an offer require?

Acceptance of an offer requires an unqualified agreement to all terms of the offer because this principle is fundamental to the concept of contract formation. When one party makes an offer, they outline specific terms that they are willing to agree to. For there to be a valid acceptance, the other party must accept these terms exactly as they are presented, without any modifications or conditions. This is known as the "mirror image rule," which asserts that acceptance must reflect the terms of the offer without deviation; otherwise, it is not considered acceptance but rather a counteroffer.

This requirement for an unqualified agreement ensures that both parties share the same understanding of the contract, which is critical for establishing mutual assent, a necessary element for creating a binding contract. Only when the acceptance matches the offer in its entirety does a contract come into existence, creating legal obligations for both parties. This clarity helps prevent disputes over the terms of the agreement later on.