JB Hi-Fi back tracks
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.