If an on-line retailer accidentally lists an item for ##Question_Title## are they legally obligated to fulfill the order?

Question

If an on-line retailer accidentally lists an item for $0 are they legally obligated to fulfill the order?

Answer 1

Yes, I believe that technically they are. It is not really all that ethical for you to purchase it though, and then try to enforce the price (by claiming false advertising) you should contact the company and alert them of their mistake.

For example, I know that at a gas station near my house, they messed up the system and gas was pumping for $0.40/ gallon. People who were pumping their gas didn't say anything, and i know that the ones who used credit cards were contacted by someone official ( I don't know if it was police, or the gas company, or whatever.) and they were asked to pay the amount or go to court. I'm not 100% on the details, a friend of mine told me that his parents bought gas that day but he wasn't sure what exactly ended up happening.

Answer 2

If you refer to the Uniform Commercial Code used in 49 of the 50 states,  there is a reference to obviously incorrect prices than any reasonable person would know is wrong.   If a seller posts a price that is clearly unreasonable he has an out and does not have to sell for the price listed.   Your $0 price is such an example.  

Also many websites have a disclaimer which gives them an additional out.

Answer 3

If it was purchased before the correction was made. Then Yes.

Otherwise it is false advertisement and they can be held accountable.

Answer 4

No. As no money changed hands, it's not technically a contract.

So, without a contract, they could choose not to send you the item.

Edit:

False advertising is nonsense. If it was an accident, it is not false advertising. Period. An advertisement is only an invitation to trade, not an offer. The advertiser has no legal obligation to sell it at that price unless they intended to mislead you. Ever go to the store and see an ad correction posted when the retailer accidentally listed the wrong price? They never actually give you the price that was in the original ad.