When the repudiating statement or action occurs before a breach by non-performance, the next question you ask is:
Did the other party receive all of the "agreed exchange" prior to the repudiating statement or action?
Hochster v. De La Tour illustrates the question. De La Tour promised to employ Hochster as his tour guide beginning June 1, and in exchange Hochster promised to serve as his tour guide. The "agreed exchange" for Hochster was monetary compensation in return for services as a tour guide.
Hochster...
did not receive all of the "agreed exchange" prior to the repudiating statement or action.
received all of the "agreed exchange" prior to the repudiating statement or action.