Cross Offers
Cross offers refer to two identical offers made by two parties to each other, without knowing the other party's offer. These offers are also known as mutual offers or reciprocal offers. Cross offers occur when two parties simultaneously make the same offer to each other, resulting in a situation where both parties are both offerors and offerees.

Example of Cross Offers
Let's consider a simple example to understand cross offers. Suppose Party A wants to sell a car and Party B wants to buy a car. Both parties independently make an offer to each other to buy and sell the car at the same price and on the same terms. However, neither party is aware of the other's offer. This situation creates cross offers.

Characteristics of Cross Offers
- Identical Offers: Cross offers involve two identical offers made by two parties to each other, without any knowledge of the other party's offer.
- Simultaneous Offers: Cross offers are made simultaneously by both parties.
- No Communication: There is no communication or knowledge of the other party's offer at the time the offers are made.
- Mutual Obligation: Once both parties become aware of the cross offers, they are under a mutual obligation to accept the other party's offer.

Legal Implications of Cross Offers
Cross offers can create a unique legal situation where both parties are simultaneously offerors and offerees. The general rule is that cross offers do not result in a contract because there is no acceptance of an offer. Instead, they are considered as counteroffers.

However, if both parties become aware of the cross offers and subsequently accept the other party's offer, a binding contract is formed. The acceptance of the cross offer creates a meeting of the minds, and the terms of the offers become the terms of the contract.

Conclusion
Cross offers occur when two parties simultaneously make identical offers to each other, without any knowledge of the other party's offer. These offers create a unique legal situation where both parties are both offerors and offerees. While cross offers do not result in a contract initially, if both parties become aware of the cross offers and subsequently accept the other party's offer, a binding contract is formed.