The servers at Aussie online retailer JB Hi-Fi took a pummelling after bargain hunters noticed that a Samsung high-definition 40-inch LED TV, which comes with a bonus 22-inch LCD TV was mis-priced at $15.

Normally such a deal would cost $2963. JB Hi-Fi's marketing manager, Scott Browning, said the $15 price had been advertised in error and it was unlikely the price would be honoured. He said that whoever was in charge of updating the website with new deals overnight, accidentally entered in the wrong price tag. They may have become confused as JB Hi-Fi is separately running a promotion offering 15 per cent off selected LCD and plasma TV sets. But one of the problems with refusing to pay up is the outfit has taken the money away from the legions of customers who took the opportunity to make the deal.

Browning said that a reasonable person wouldn't say they're entitled to the product. He said he would make some attempt to compensate legitimate purchases with some sweetening, but it would depend on individual circumstances, However consumer groups are not so certain. A spokesman for consumer advocate group Choice, said it would be difficult to determine whether the $15 TV set was offered in error or whether it was a case of bait advertising. This is an illegal practice used by retailers to entice people to their stores.

"If I had got one of those tax receipts or they'd taken my money and refused to sell me the TV, I would certainly be complaining to regulators who have powers to take action, such as the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission or the Department of Fair Trading, the spokesman said.