UK Retailers: When is an online contract watertight?

[Kristijntje]

Last week's article about Apple's mis-pricing of Olympus cameras ("Can I buy a £600 camera for £100?") raised an interesting question - at what stage can you rely on contracts formed online?

Contrary to popular understanding, the defining moment for contract conclusion is not necessarily when money changes hands. While this is a common scenario in retail sales (mainly because offer, acceptance and payment are simultaneous), it is only one of many possibilities under English law. Conclusion of a contract can take place earlier or later, at the retailer's discretion...

full article: http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/...92,00.html