Can you back out of a bill of sale “as-is”?

Create an airtight bill of sale to ensure no one backs out.

A bill of sale is a legal document made by a seller to a purchaser. It certifies a transfer of ownership and is typically used for vehicles or other high-value purchases. So what happens if someone isn’t satisfied with the sale? Can you back out of a bill of sale legally?

Where to get a bill of sale that’s airtight.

A bill of sale is used to secure a transaction, giving the buyer proof of their ownership and freeing the seller from liability. The seller is responsible for drafting the text and ensuring the agreement is fair and loophole-free. Both parties will sign the bill of sale to make it official.

If you’re a seller and you want to make sure your bill of sale is airtight, it’s a great idea to look for an “as-is” bill of sale template online. An “as-is” bill of sale may also be called an absolute bill of sale. Sometimes, you can even find templates provided by your state specific to the type of sale you’re making.

In general, can you back out of a bill of sale legally?

So, can you back out of a bill of sale if you change your mind or something happens with your purchase? As a buyer, you might be worried about something you bought that isn’t functioning how you hoped. As a seller, you might regret the sale after the fact and wonder if you can take it back. Short of a lawsuit, the bill of sale is usually final for both parties. Here are a couple of scenarios you might encounter.

Buyers, can you back out of a bill of sale?

Buyers, can you back out of a bill of sale for an “as-is” car sale contract? Let’s say you’re buying a car. You pay the seller, sign the bill of sale, and drive home — only to find out the car has some serious mechanical issues. You’re probably wondering, can I back out of a car deal after signing a bill of sale?

An “as-is” bill of sale clarifies this situation. An “as-is” bill of sale, or an absolute bill of sale, is the most common type of bill of sale document authorizing a transfer of property with no restrictions. As the name suggests, the item is being sold and purchased “as-is.”

So, if you’re the buyer in this situation, and you’ve signed the “as-is” bill of sale, it’s too late to back out.

Or let’s say you’re selling your boat. You find a buyer, they pay for the boat, sign the bill of sale, and they contact you that they no longer want it. Are you responsible?

As long as the bill of sale you’ve provided is an absolute or “as-is” bill of sale, you’re not responsible for the boat anymore. You don’t have to return the buyer’s money or take the boat back.

Can a seller back out of a bill of sale?

Say you’ve just finished signing the bill of sale you prepared for the car you were selling. You realize that the buyer negotiated very well and suddenly feel like you didn’t sell your car for enough. Can you tell the buyer that you want to change the price of the car? Or what if you want to keep it, after all? Can a seller back out of a bill of sale?

It is legally binding if both parties have signed an “as-is” bill of sale. The same document protecting sellers from flaky buyers and other liabilities protects buyers from sellers who might change their minds. Once you’ve signed the bill of sale, you can’t take the car back.

Seller tips so the buyer can’t back out of a bill of sale “as-is.”

Usually, as a seller, you’re hoping to make your sale and not have to deal with it any further. If you want to ensure your bill of sale is airtight, always take a few things into account.

First, make sure the bill of sale is specifically marked “as-is.” If it’s “as-is,” you’re not liable for how the purchase performs once it’s out of your hands.

You also need to make sure the correct information is on the bill of sale. The right information gives the buyer what they need to prove the purchase.

Remember to take the title into account. One of the absolute most effective ways to sell something like a vehicle is to fill out the title and give it to the buyer. The title is the most official document you can hand over to show that the sale has been made and is final.

Create your “as-is” bill of sale.

Avoid all confusion from the outset by drawing up a clear, straightforward, “as-is” bill of sale. Learn more about how to draft, certify, and send a smart and secure bill of sale with Adobe Acrobat today.