This chapter explores the simple mandate contract which is governed by Articles 394–406 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. This chapter commences with the sources of this contract, its main characteristics as well as its delimitations with other contracts. This chapter then moves on to discuss the formation of the simple mandate contract before discussing in detail the obligations of the agent and the principal. These include the agent’s obligation to provide the promised services, duty to render the services in a diligent and faithful manner, duty to give an account, duty to return and duty to transfer vested rights as well as the principal’s duty to reimburse expenses, duty to discharge the agents from their obligations, duty to compensate for any loss incurred and obligation to pay fees. Finally, this chapter explores the end of the simple mandate contract either by termination or due to legal reasons.

This chapter examines the contract for work and services which is governed by Articles 363–379 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. This chapter commences with the sources of this contract, its characteristic elements, its delimitations with other contracts as well as the diverse forms of this contract. This chapter then moves on to discuss the formation of the contract for work and services before discussing in detail the obligations of the contractor, namely the obligation to carry out and deliver the agreed work and the duty of diligent performance and other ancillary obligations, the contractor’s non-fulfilment of these obligations as well as the client’s obligation to pay the price. In this context, the contractor’s warranty of conformity is analysed in detail. Finally, this chapter explores the end of the contract for work and services either due to the client’s right to withdraw or subsequent impossibility.