4eyes - 10:21 am on Mar 6, 2002 (gmt 0)

In the UK any method where offer and acceptance can be proven, is the basis of a contract.

The problem with fax and other digital communication is that they can be altered digitally and are therefore difficult to prove authenticity.

When I worked as a purchasing manager we drew up a separate electronic exchange contract which specified which forms of communication were acceptable and detailing how disputes would be resolved. This covered EDI, E-Mail and Fax. All our long term suppliers were expected to sign this.

Although drafted by the corporate lawyers, I doubt it would have proved all that useful against a determined challenge.

All of this was 4-5 years ago - I haven't kept track of recent changes - but I wouldn't trust a fax only contract to protect me much if the other party became difficult.