[consulting] Unsigned Contract Breach Question

[Fred Jones]

Yes, there is such a thing as an implied contract, but if you were
exchanging a proper written contract, then that basically means that
you (and they) were expressly agreeing to proceed based on that
written contract. If they chose not to sign, then they never agreed.

What you should have done is put in a clause like "this contract is
valid for 48 hours after signing" or some such. I know it's easy to
say that after the fact, but if it happens again....