Summary
Click on the video icon to hear a summary of the main topics of this unit.
To conclude this brief overview of timber sale contracts, we want to offer you some parting tips on how to develop and use a contract that will protect your interests and lead to a successful timber sale:
- Hire a consulting forester to represent your interests
- Consult an attorney for advice and counsel.
- Always put any and all agreements in writing.
- Remember, that written agreements supersede oral ones.
- Signing under duress or fraud voids a contract.
- Consideration (promise, money, property, services) must be given by both parties to have an enforceable contract.
- Try to make all parts of the contract easily understood, or courts (if necessary) will interpret them for you.
- Contracts entered into for illegal purposes are void.
- The buyer is usually liable for not performing under contract, when it is due to his/her own carelessness. When performance is beyond the buyer's control, the contract may not be enforceable unless the buyer accepts responsibility.
- Make sure that each party has a copy of the contract.
- A contract which gives the seller all the advantages and/or with too many provisions will probably not be accepted by the buyer.
- If a buyer-written contract is used, be concerned about what is included. Do not sign the contract just to get the sale completed.
- Buyer should know of any special conditions before negotiating a contract, since this may affect prices.
Tips for a successful timber contract (PDF) Printable version
Now here's a chance to check your understanding of this unit. Try you hand at the Timber Contracts Quiz.
Review the video "The Contract" to determine the proper methodology to sell timber and a few of the problems commonly associated with timber sales.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Timber Sales and Contracts module. If you found this topic helpful, you might also enjoy these other Forest and Range learning modules:
- Visual Guide to Timber Harvests
- Economagic
- You and Your Forest: Understanding and Managing Your Forest Resources
