Thanksgiving is three weeks away, which means people are already getting into holiday shopping mode. Β They’re scouring the Internet, searching for bargains, ready to pounce on a deal as soon as they see it! Β But what should happen if an advertised deal is a mistake?
We’re asking because of Walmart’s massive online deals yesterday. Β Deals that were a mistake. Β In some cases, their website had high-end electronic equipment that normally sells for $600, listed at less than 10 bucks! Β There may have been thousands of people who were able to jump on the deal before Walmart got the price corrected. Β
But today, Walmart said it will not honor orders. Β Instead, it’s cancelling them and refunding the money. Β And they’re going to give a $10 gift certificate to anyone who got caught in the error.
But that’s not enough for some people who point out that Walmart recently let people on food stamps take advantage of a glitch in the system. Β In fact, businesses often let consumers come out on top in these situations.
Remember two months ago, Delta Airlines had an online glitch that let people “buy” tickets for free–zero dollars–just paying 5 bucks in taxes! Β Ultimately, Delta honored the tickets.
But when there’s a mistake in the system, the law is on the side of the business, and they don’t have to honor the glitch. Β But should they? Β Our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, loves a deal, but should you be allowed to take advantage of a technical error?
