WENDY KNOWLER: Consumers aren't entitled to online discounts on items clearly priced in error

Relebogile Mabotja speaks to Consumer Journalist, Wendy Knowler

In a recent case brought to Knowler's attention, after a consumer had purchased a fridge from Hirsch's Home Appliance Store online and made payment in full, the retailer communicated the price listed was incorrect. 

The consumer was given two options – a refund or another item at the cost price.  

He declined both and felt entitled to the sale based on the Consumer Protection Act. 

While the Act does overrule any retailer's terms and conditions, it is conditional, explains Knowler.

“If a price is an obvious error, then the retailer is not obliged to honour it… The fridge is a very top-end fridge… Hirsch’s normally sells that particular model for R85,000… I think we can call that an obvious mistake.”

– Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist

Knowler says this issue appears to be popping up more frequently. 

She says consumers feel entitled to the price 'no matter what'. 

“This part of the Act is to prevent what is called 'consumer snatching' at a bargain.”

– Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion