Trade
A trade is any exchange of money, goods, access, time, data, or another kind of value between people or organizations—even when one side has very little practical choice.
OETS needs a broad meaning of trade because unfairness can happen in subscriptions, digital services, essential services, marketplaces, and other situations that do not look like a simple shop purchase.
A trade can still deserve ethical review when choice is limited.Exact OETS wordingOpen the citable version
An exchange of value between two or more parties, whether freely chosen, influenced by circumstances, or entered into because no practical alternative exists.
The plain explanation above is the best place to begin. This version is here when precision or citation matters.Meaning in OETS
OETS uses trade broadly. It includes physical products, digital goods, services, subscriptions, licenses, access, time, information, and other recognized forms of value.
Essential elements
- Two or more identifiable parties participate.
- Something of value is offered or transferred.
- Representations shape what each party reasonably expects.
- Responsibilities continue when delivery, support, or remedy is promised.
A trade can exist even when one party has limited practical choice, such as under monopoly conditions. Limited choice increases the stronger party’s ethical responsibility.
Transparency
Change history
Meaningful wording changes stay visible.Initial draft.