OPEN TERMSTHE OPEN TERMS GUIDE
Compare cash, timing and part-exchange offers
A practical way to compare proposals without confusing the upfront payment with the complete cost.
By OPEN TERMS · Updated 13 November 2026 · General information
Use one comparison sheet
Write down the asset, full price, currency, tax assumptions and everything included for each proposal. Then add the proposed transfer date and any conditions. Different payment dates or inclusions can make apparently similar offers very different.
For a cash offer
Check the amount due, when it must be paid and the proposed settlement channel. Agree how existing finance will be addressed. A cash proposal still needs ownership, condition and contract checks.
For delayed settlement
Record the latest date, any deposit, who holds it and what happens if either side cannot proceed. Identify who carries costs, insurance and risk before settlement. Ask a local professional to document the agreed position.
For part exchange
Record each asset separately. Compare the evidence for the two values, any debt attached, transfer costs and the cash difference. Do not assume an asset offered in exchange is debt-free or suitable for your intended use.
For payments over time
List every scheduled payment, interest, fee and final balloon payment. Consider the seller’s exposure if payments stop and the buyer’s obligations if circumstances change. Before agreeing, have the arrangement assessed under the rules that apply to the parties and asset. This comparison is an information checklist, not a financing recommendation.