Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
I bought some items online and the company’s computer mistake gave me $55 off instead of $5 off. They are refusing to ship my order and I have a confirmation number!! Is this legal?it was their error online?
Assuming the company is refunding you the money that you did pay, they are likely not violating the law. Retailers are prohibited from deceptive marketing, including misleading discounts. However, neither federal nor common law require a retailer to honor a price that the consumer should have known was an error. Although the company could honor the erroneous discount, it is not required to. The exception to this would be if they advertised the discount as $55 when it was only supposed to be $5. As long as a $55 discount could be reasonable, the company may have to honor the larger discount.
