contract formed by taking payment for internet purchase?

jangobob

I recently ordered a book from a seller on abebooks.co.uk that cost £0.63 plus £2.80 postage and packaging. It was significantly cheaper that the book from other sellers so i did wonder how genuie it was.

I subsequently received an email confirming that my order had been processed and payment taken form my credit card. A few hours later i received an email informing me that my credit card had been refunded and the reason stated was that the bookseller accepted my order in error.

My question is, by taking payment has the bookseller not formed a contract with me that obligates them to supply me with the book at the advertised price? If they had cancelled before taking payment i could understand.

At the end of the day i thought i was getting a bargain and am not really out of pocket but if i do have a case i am tempted to persue it.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

NiallB

Check the Terms and Conditions. You'll probably find that the contract is formed on dispatch of goods. Most e-retailers do this to cover themselves for stuff like this.

bcl999

Even if the taking of the payment created a contract, they only need to put you back into the position you were in before the contract existed to satisfy their obligation, which they've done by refunding.