By Ash Walker
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April 10, 2023
April 10, 2023 Running a business involves developing ties with other people and business entities. Of course, you need customers, but you will also often need suppliers, service providers, and professional assistance. In other words, to keep your business operating, you will need to forge agreements to help you in the operation of your business. These agreements will usually be a contract, whether it’s oral or in writing. A contract requires both parties to live up to what’s been agreed upon. For instance, you, as a retail store operator, would most likely have to enter into contracts with suppliers to bring you the products to sell. In return, you generally must pay them for those products. The contract the two of you agree to requires both sides to fulfill their obligations. For example, Supplier A must deliver 100 widgets every other Tuesday, but suddenly the shipment stops. This can be considered a breach of contract as the vendor failed to deliver the goods. However, the supplier contacts you and says that due to weather conditions, the shipment will be delayed until the week after. Is this still a breach? In legal terms, there are immaterial or minor breaches and material breaches. A week’s delay would no doubt be considered an immaterial breach, but if the shipments stopped altogether or for a substantial period of time and put your business in jeopardy, that would be considered a material breach. Material breaches can lead to lawsuits if not resolved in negotiations. If you’re involved in a contract dispute in or around Troy, Michigan, contact me at the Redmond Law Group. I am a business attorney with extensive knowledge of contracts, and their enforceability, and will help you resolve the situation, even if it requires courtroom action. I also proudly represent clients throughout Oakland and Macomb counties, Michigan.