How a Simple Email (or Even a Check in the Mail) Can Be a Binding Agreement

Note: This post is not suggesting that a written signed contract is not a good idea.

A lot of people think a contract only counts when both sides sign a big, fancy document. But honestly, most of the contracts I’ve ever had in business didn’t start that way.

They started with a conversation.

I’ll give you an example.

Last spring, a local business owner reached out to me by email asking about building a new website. I replied with a quote (in writing). A few hours later, she sent back a simple message:

“That sounds great. Go ahead and get started. I’ll drop a deposit check in the mail today.”

No paperwork. No lawyer. Just a clear offer, her acceptance, and a promise of payment.

A few days later, the check showed up in my mailbox. That moment — the email saying “yes” and the deposit arriving — was enough to form a legally binding contract.

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What Made It a Contract?

Even though no one signed a formal document, we had:

• An offer — my website quote.
• Acceptance — her “go ahead” email.
• Consideration — the deposit check she mailed.
• Mutual understanding — both of us knew what was expected.
  

That’s a contract.

It Happens More Than You Think

I’ve had similar experiences with other clients too:

• One person said yes to a quote by text message and sent a payment through an online app the same day.
• Another mailed a check after we talked on the phone, and I began work the following week.
• I’ve even had people stop by the office, hand me a check, and say, “I trust you — let’s get this done.”
  

Each one of those situations was legally enforceable because the key elements of a contract were there — even without a signature.

Why Putting It in Writing Still Helps

Of course, a signed agreement is always better because it spells everything out:

• Deadlines
• What’s included (and what’s not)
• Payment schedule
• What happens if something changes
  

But don’t think that skipping a signature means there’s no agreement. That “yes” in an email, text, or over the phone can absolutely count.

Protecting Yourself and Your Business

A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Keep copies of emails and texts.
• Save proof of payments (checks, receipts, deposits).
• Follow up verbal conversations with a quick written summary.
  

That way, if there’s ever a misunderstanding, you can point back to what was actually agreed on.

Bottom line: A contract doesn’t always start with a pen. It might start with a phone call, an email, or a check in the mail. What matters is the agreement — not how fancy the paperwork looks.