TV Bundle Deal Price Error?

mattgod69

I recently purchased a TV bundle online.  There was an offer code for £75 further discount off the tv which was applied.  When I went to the checkout, the total was strangly reduced further by around £60.  I completed the order and paid for it.   An email confirmation was received confirming the order at the lower price.  However,  during this week, i have been emailed a sales invoice which says there is a balance due.  The bundle is being delivered today and no one has been in contact about collecting the additional amount.  Do I need to pay the additional amount (I don't actually have a massive problem doing this)?  It seems really strange though, the order was paid in full a far as I was concerned and accepted and will presumably be delivered by the retailer this morning.  What do you think? I would be interested to hear your thoughts and thanks in anticipation.   Matt

ForumUser7

mattgod69 said:

I recently purchased a TV bundle online.  There was an offer code for £75 further discount off the tv which was applied.  When I went to the checkout, the total was strangly reduced further by around £60.  I completed the order and paid for it.   An email confirmation was received confirming the order at the lower price.  However,  during this week, i have been emailed a sales invoice which says there is a balance due.  The bundle is being delivered today and no one has been in contact about collecting the additional amount.  Do I need to pay the additional amount (I don't actually have a massive problem doing this)?  It seems really strange though, the order was paid in full a far as I was concerned and accepted and will presumably be delivered by the retailer this morning.  What do you think? I would be interested to hear your thoughts and thanks in anticipation.   Matt

What balance is stated as being due on the sales invoice? Is it £60?

mattgod69

Yes, if its the difference between the price in the basket and the actual price paid at checkout.

Aylesbury_Duck

Is there a risk that if you don't pay the balance, they unwind the whole transaction and you lose the opportunity of the £75 off?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

A lot of online retailers state a contract is formed upon dispatch, this means that your order is only an offer and it gives them time to spot any mistakes (or cancel without penalty if say they don't have the stock). 

If payment is made for the amount on the email confirmation and the goods have been dispatched it's likely you have a contract for the goods with both discounts applied. 

Mistakes in a contract can affect the position, with this you are looking at unilateral mistake, which is basically one that you ought to have known at the time.

So if you buy a £500 item and get it for £480 it's doubtful anyone could say you should have known the £20 was a mistake, if you however got the £500 item for £20 then it's probably the case you should have known. 

Generally vouchers say they aren't to be used in conjunction with other offers, if that were to be the case it could be argued you ought to have known 2 discounts was a mistake.  

However, my understanding is, that were it deemed a unilateral mistake, the contract would be void and the company would then be losing the outward courier costs plus you'd probably be an involuntary bailee so they'd lose the return courier costs as well. 

Ultimately if you didn't pay, for a business to enforce £60 over something questionable via small claims whilst considering the above costs and all the headache really isn't sensible. 

If you find later down the line you have a problem with the TV you may face resistance from the company due to, what they perceive, as the under payment. 

You could offer to meet them half way under the condition they agree the order is then considered paid in full if you were so inclined but I don't see you have any obligation to pay anything, only a very slim possibility that the contract would be considered void. 

mattgod69

Thanks for your comments....

The TV and bundle was delivered this morning.

They have not contacted me about the payment.... when they do i will probably pay it... it was a TV which was £1,300 to so £60 is not a massive amount, but i suspect they also wouldn't want to lose it!  There is not really a question of i wont pay it, because i will.... but i may try it on if they ask and say can we meet half way.  

Does anyone think i should contact them first?  If i hadn't checked the invoice and read it carefully i could be none the wiser as the order confirmation said the amount i paid.

The website says that where there is an issue with pricing they will make contact immediately....

Many thanks once again.

mattgod69

Aylesbury_Duck said:

Is there a risk that if you don't pay the balance, they unwind the whole transaction and you lose the opportunity of the £75 off?

I'm not sure.... interesting angle though.  How could they enforce that?  I have paid what they asked? 

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

mattgod69 said:

Does anyone think i should contact them first?  

Up to you really As I say only down side to not paying, that I can see, is them being difficult if the TV fails, not that it would affect your rights, simply make life more of a headache. 

If they want the £60 that much they'll soon be in contact  

mattgod69

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

mattgod69 said:

Does anyone think i should contact them first?  

Up to you really As I say only down side to not paying, that I can see, is them being difficult if the TV fails, not that it would affect your rights, simply make life more of a headache. 

If they want the £60 that much they'll soon be in contact  

thanks.... yes i am sure they will be! lol