Sale and supply both refer to selling certain items in various situations. The property that is sold may vary from real property to different products or goods.
Sale generally refers to the passing of title to such property. The property in this context is classified as either real or personal. The exact content differs in various jurisdictions, but the passing of the title in exchange for a consideration is present in each case. The contract regulating sales, namely a contract for sale, is focused on the transfer of title to the property. It also contains provisions for situations when there is an obstacle to such transfer and the possibility to restore the original condition if the transaction fails through.
Supply tends to be more complicated. It is more frequently used in commercial transactions. Supply very often refers to lasting relationship between the parties. It plays an important role where the items in question are provided on a permanent basis. The supply contract often regulates the entire process for example in a production process, just as well the delivery of the goods, the terms of payment, various situations of default and any other aspect that the two parties have determined to be necessary.
Supply may also include the means of making the products available at the premises of the buyer. This is definitionally not an indispensable part of the supply contract, however, in practice, it is very often included.
The terms of delivery, as well as other elements, are regulated by standard means. It is most commonly described by the so called INCOTERMs.
