Contract, tying

Understanding Contract Tying

Contract tying is a type of contractual agreement between two parties that requires one party to purchase a second related item in order to complete the original purchase. It is a common practice in a variety of industries, such as the automobile industry, telecommunications industry, and even in software development. It is an agreement by which one party is obligated to purchase an additional item in order to obtain the desired product.

Examples of Contract Tying

Contract tying is a very common practice, and can be found in a variety of different industries. Here are a few examples:

  • In the automobile industry, it is common for a car manufacturer to require a customer to purchase additional items, such as extended warranties or navigation systems, in order to purchase the desired car.
  • In the telecommunications industry, it is common for a cell phone company to require a customer to purchase a service plan before they can purchase a phone.
  • In the software development industry, it is common for a software company to require a customer to purchase additional software in order to purchase the desired product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contract Tying

Contract tying can be beneficial for both parties involved. For the seller, it allows them to increase their profits by selling additional items. It also allows them to reduce the risk of a purchase not being completed because the customer is obligated to purchase the additional item. For the buyer, contract tying can be advantageous because it allows them to purchase additional items at a discounted rate. However, it can also be disadvantageous because the buyer may feel obligated to purchase items they do not need or want.

Conclusion

Contract tying is a common practice in a variety of industries, and can be beneficial for both parties involved. It is important to understand the implications of contract tying and to ensure that both parties are getting the best possible deal.

Further Reading