Conditional sale (/kənˈdɪʃənəl seɪl/) is a type of sale where the seller agrees to transfer ownership of a product to the buyer on the condition that certain terms are met. The spelling of "conditional" follows the typical English spelling pattern of "c-o-n-d-i-t-i-o-n-a-l" with stress on the second syllable. "Sale" is spelled "s-a-l-e" with stress on the first syllable. The combination of the two words creates a compound noun with stress on the first syllable of the first word: "kənˈdɪʃənəl seɪl".
Conditional sale refers to a type of agreement or contract wherein the ownership of a particular item or asset is transferred from the seller to the buyer, subject to certain conditions. It is a legal and financial arrangement commonly used in the context of purchasing goods or property, particularly in commercial transactions or consumer financing.
Under a conditional sale agreement, the buyer only gains full ownership and title of the item or asset upon fulfilling the specified conditions as agreed upon in the contract. These conditions typically include the buyer making all necessary payments or meeting certain obligations within a specified time frame.
The basic premise of a conditional sale is that the seller retains a level of control or interest in the item or asset until all the agreed-upon conditions are met. This ensures that the seller has some level of protection or security if the buyer fails to fulfill their obligations, such as defaulting on payments. In such cases, the seller may have the right to repossess the item or asset or take legal action to recover any outstanding payments.
Conditional sales agreements are commonly used in various industries, including automotive, real estate, and retail financing. They provide a flexible and secure method for buyers to acquire goods or property while giving sellers some level of protection against potential defaults or non-payment.
The word "conditional" comes from the Latin word "condicionalis", which means "depending upon a condition". The word "sale" originated from the Old English word "sǣl", meaning "act of selling" or "exchange of goods for money". The term "conditional sale" combines these words to describe a type of sale that is dependent upon certain conditions being met.