Isn't this illegal?

**ClickHere2Surf.com** · May 25th, 2005, 09:50 PM

Isn't it illegal to say a product is on sale at a special price until a certain date, and then each time the date is reached it is changed to say it ends the week after in such a way that the special never ends and there never is a higher price? I'm pretty sure some stores got sued for millions for doing this.

Thanks

**Platypus** · May 25th, 2005, 10:09 PM

Yes, there will be consumer protection legislation to govern requirements to legitimately claim a "special", but it can get difficult for some items like computer parts which have rapidly varying pricing patterns. If it looks like a trader is deliberatley fudging like you describe, it's probably best to consult local consumer advocates, as the exact legislation will typically vary between states, or whatever authority is responsible.

**ClickHere2Surf.com** · May 25th, 2005, 10:14 PM

What if an item is being sold on 2 websites, lets say it's $100 on one website, and $50 on the other website, and it is this other website that claims "Half Price until <date>" where date is always being extended in such a way that it never ends.

Does this make it legal? The other website probably never sells any of the item and is probably just an excuse for the half price, but does this make it legal? Does it have to be sold at the higher price on the same website?

**Ya_know** · May 26th, 2005, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by ClickHere2Surf.com

What if an item is being sold on 2 websites, lets say it's $100 on one website, and $50 on the other website, and it is this other website that claims "Half Price until <date>" where date is always being extended in such a way that it never ends.

Does this make it legal? The other website probably never sells any of the item and is probably just an excuse for the half price, but does this make it legal? Does it have to be sold at the higher price on the same website?

The website may have a disclaimer about prices being subject to change without notice, which in most cases probably covers any legal disputes about prices. Sure you could take them to court, but it will probably be thrown out...