When is acceptance concluded in a contract made via post?

In a contract made via post, acceptance is concluded when the letter of acceptance is posted. This principle is based on the "postal rule" in contract law, which states that acceptance is effective once it is dispatched, rather than when it is received by the offeror.

The rationale behind this rule is that the postal system is a reliable means of communication, and once the acceptor has posted the acceptance, they have taken the necessary steps to communicate their agreement to the offeror. Therefore, the moment the acceptance letter is put into the postal system, it is considered valid, and a binding contract is formed, even if the offeror has not yet received the letter.

This approach aims to provide clarity and certainty in contractual relationships. It protects the rights of the acceptor, ensuring that they do not suffer penalties for delays in postal delivery, which are outside their control.

In contrast, the other options indicate scenarios where acceptance is dependent on receipt or acknowledgment, which do not align with the established postal rule. The focus is on the act of posting as the critical moment for acceptance to be effective in a contract communicated through mail.