The Target glitch was a technical malfunction that occurred on December 2, 2017, during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, also known as Cyber Monday. The glitch caused Target’s website to become extremely slow and unresponsive, resulting in many customers being unable to complete their purchases.
The Target website was inundated with traffic, causing the servers to overload, leading to a widespread slowdown in the site’s performance. Customers experienced long waiting times and in some cases, the site would crash. The issue was not isolated to just one region or type of device, as can happen during peak times, but was experienced throughout the United States and on all platforms.
According to Target, the glitch was not caused by a cyber attack or data breach, but rather due to the website being unable to handle the sheer amount of traffic. This left many customers frustrated and angry, as they were unable to get the deals they wanted on this important shopping day.
Target quickly took to social media to apologize for the inconvenience caused by the glitch and urged customers to keep trying. They also extended their Cyber Monday deals to the following day to appease customers who were disappointed with the shopping experience.
The Target glitch served as a reminder of the importance of a robust and scalable information technology infrastructure, especially during the peak holiday shopping season. It also highlighted the severe consequences that can result from even a short time of downtime, causing not only a significant financial impact for the company but also damage to its reputation.
Target learned a valuable lesson from this glitch and made considerable improvements to its website infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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What happens if an item is priced wrong?
If an item is priced wrong, the consumer or buyer typically has the right to purchase the item at the lower price displayed. This legal principle is based on the concept of “invitation to treat” in contract law. This means that when the store or seller sets a price, it is not an offer, but rather an invitation for the buyer to make an offer to purchase the item at that price.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the buyer knows or should have known that the price was a mistake, they cannot take advantage of the situation. Additionally, if the seller can prove that the buyer knew the item was priced incorrectly, the seller may be able to void the sale altogether.
In some cases, the seller may choose to honor the incorrect price, even if they are not legally required to do so. This is often done as a goodwill gesture to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty. Conversely, if the seller refuses to honor the incorrect price and the buyer is dissatisfied, the buyer may choose to leave negative reviews or take legal action against the seller.
It is important for both buyers and sellers to be vigilant when it comes to pricing. Sellers should take steps to ensure that their pricing is accurate and up-to-date, while buyers should be aware of the possible pitfalls of purchasing items at incorrectly displayed prices. By paying attention and being informed, both parties can avoid misunderstandings and disputes over pricing.
Is it illegal to take advantage of a pricing error?
It depends on the specific circumstances of the pricing error and the laws in the jurisdiction where the error occurred. In general, however, taking advantage of a pricing error to get a lower price than intended by the seller could be considered unethical and may be illegal if it involves deception, fraud, or other illegal activities.
For example, if a retailer mistakenly prices a product at a significantly lower price than its actual value, and a consumer purchases the item at the lower price without notifying the retailer of the mistake, this might be considered unethical behavior. Alternatively, if the consumer knows or should reasonably know that the price is a mistake but decides to purchase the item anyway, this could be considered fraud or deception.
In some cases, taking advantage of a pricing error may also violate consumer protection laws or unfair competition laws. These laws vary by jurisdiction and are designed to protect consumers from unfair business practices.
It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to pricing errors. If you suspect that a price is a mistake, it is always a good idea to contact the retailer or seller to clarify the situation. This not only helps to ensure that you are acting ethically and legally but can also help you avoid potential problems down the road.
What is price fixing and is it illegal?
Price fixing refers to an illegal practice where businesses or companies collude to set and maintain prices at a predetermined level. Typically, price fixing involves two or more competitors who agree to set prices at a high level in order to increase their profits at the expense of customers. This is often done through secretly poised discussions or backroom deals between the parties involved, where they agree to adhere to an agreed-upon pricing structure.
In many jurisdictions, price fixing is illegal and is considered a violation of antitrust laws. The reason for this is that price fixing limits competition in the marketplace, which can result in higher prices for consumers and reduced innovation and efficiency. For instance, if companies in a particular industry agree to raise their prices, consumers have little choice but to pay more for the product or service, which can lead to higher costs of living.
Companies caught engaging in price fixing can face severe penalties, including hefty fines, lawsuits, and even imprisonment of company executives involved. These penalties are imposed by regulatory agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other agencies across the globe tasked with enforcing antitrust laws.
Price fixing is an illegal practice and is considered a serious violation of antitrust laws. It harms competition, reduces consumer choice, and leads to higher prices for goods and services. To ensure a competitive marketplace that benefits both businesses and consumers, it is essential that companies avoid any form of price fixing and operate in a fair and transparent manner.
Is it illegal to fix prices with a competitor?
Yes, it is illegal to fix prices with a competitor as it is considered an anti-competitive practice that violates antitrust laws. The main intention behind such an agreement is to eliminate competition in the market and artificially control the prices of products or services. This harms consumers by depriving them of better choices and fair pricing.
Price fixing can take different forms, such as collusion between competitors to set fixed prices, bid rigging or sharing customer information to create a cartel, and agreeing on the quantity or quality of goods or services to be supplied. These practices are illegal under both federal and state antitrust laws and are heavily penalized.
The Sherman Act, Clayton Act, and Federal Trade Commission Act are among the key federal statutes that protect competition and prevent price fixing. Violations of these laws can result in severe consequences, such as hefty fines, imprisonment or both. In addition to civil and criminal penalties, companies that engage in price-fixing can also face reputational damage, loss of customers, and legal suits from affected parties.
It is crucial for companies to comply with antitrust laws and avoid any form of price fixing with competitors. Instead, they should focus on delivering quality products or services that meet the needs of customers and compete fairly in the market. Additionally, businesses should be aware of antitrust regulations and seek legal advice if necessary to stay on the right side of the law.
How do you handle incorrect pricing?
But, generally, as a customer, when facing incorrect pricing, I approach the situation calmly and respectfully. I understand that mistakes happen and that it’s important to give the seller a chance to correct the error.
Firstly, I would double-check the advertised or quoted price to ensure that I have not misunderstood the information. If the price is indeed incorrect, then I would approach the seller with proof of the correct price, such as a screenshot or a brochure.
Next, I would politely explain the situation to the seller, giving them an opportunity to review the situation and come to a resolution. If the error has been made by the seller, they may offer to honor the incorrect price or provide a discount as a gesture of goodwill. If the error was on my end, I would accept responsibility and be willing to pay the actual price.
It’s essential to remember that it’s best to approach the situation calmly and respectfully, regardless of who made the mistake. Being polite and understanding can help to facilitate a fair and satisfactory outcome for both parties involved.
Does a company have to honor a misprinted price?
When a company offers a product or service for sale, they typically display the price on their website, in their store or other advertising materials. However, there are instances where the price displayed may be a misprint, whether due to a technical error or an instance where the product is advertised at an incorrect price.
The question now arises as to whether or not the company is obligated to honor the misprinted price in such an event.
The answer to this question will typically depend on the policy of the company, the contract agreement with the customer, and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the sale is being made. Generally, a contract between a customer and a company is considered binding once the customer makes payment and the company accepts it.
In other words, once the payment is made and accepted, a contract has been formed between the parties involved, and the terms of this contract must be met.
However, in certain circumstances, a company may be able to avoid fulfilling the contract in the event of a pricing error. For example, if the customer knew or should have known that the price was an error, then the company may not be obligated to honor the advertised price. If the misprint was so obvious that a reasonable person could not have mistaken the price, then the company can plead an obvious error and avoid fulfilling the contract at that price.
In cases where a company does choose to honor the misprinted price, they may do so for a number of reasons, including customer satisfaction or to avoid negative publicity. However, if the company cannot fulfill the order at the misprinted price, they may offer the customer a refund, an amended price, or other compensation such as gift cards.
Whether a company is obligated to honor a misprinted price will depend on the policies of the company, the contract agreement with the customer, and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the sale is being made. However, in general, a company should make every effort to fulfill the contract at the misprinted price as good customer service will help build a strong reputation and goodwill towards the company.
Do retailers have to Honour pricing mistakes?
When it comes to pricing mistakes, the answer to whether or not retailers have to honor them is a bit complex. Generally, retailers are not obligated to honor pricing mistakes, but there are a few factors to consider that could change the situation.
First, it’s important to note that retailers are bound by consumer laws, which will vary depending on where they operate. In some places, laws may protect consumers in specific circumstances where pricing mistakes occur.
Second, it’s worth considering the nature of the mistake. If the mistake was a simple typo or human error that resulted in an inflated price, it’s unlikely that the retailer would be required to honor that price. However, if the mistake was due to a technical glitch or malfunction, the situation becomes a bit murkier.
Third, retailers will also have their own policies in place regarding pricing mistakes. Some retailers may have policies that state they will honor a pricing mistake if it falls within certain parameters (for example, if the price is only slightly lower than the actual price or if the mistake is caught within a certain timeframe).
If a pricing mistake occurs, the best course of action for consumers is to bring it to the retailer’s attention and see how they respond. Most retailers will want to maintain positive customer relations and may choose to offer a discount or other form of compensation as a goodwill gesture. However, they are not necessarily obligated to do so.
What happens if a store overcharges you?
When a store overcharges you, it represents a breach of contract, which means that the store has failed to fulfill its legal obligations to you. Generally speaking, overcharging is not only illegal but also unethical, because it can cause substantial financial harm to consumers, especially those who are already struggling financially.
If you discover that you have been overcharged at a store, the first thing you should do is to bring this to the attention of the store’s management or owner. You can ask to speak to a customer service representative or a manager, and present them with evidence of the overcharge, such as a receipt or a price tag.
If the store is willing to resolve the issue, it may offer you a refund or a credit for the difference between the charged price and the correct amount. In some cases, the store may also offer an apology in writing or verbally, to acknowledge the mistake and to reassure you that it will take steps to prevent future overcharges.
If the store refuses to refund your money or offer any other form of redress, you can escalate the matter by contacting your state or local consumer protection agency, which is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws in your area. The agency may investigate your complaint and take legal action against the store if it finds evidence of fraud or other wrongdoing.
In addition to filing a complaint with a consumer protection agency, you may also want to leave a negative review or rating of the store online, to warn other potential customers of the risk of being overcharged. This can also help to hold the store accountable for its actions and encourage it to improve its practices.
If you have been overcharged at a store, it is important to take action to protect your rights and your finances. By acting quickly and appropriately, you can ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that the store is held accountable for its actions.
Resources
- Eagle-eyed shoppers take advantage of Target’s $14.99 price …
- TikToker Says Target ‘Glitched’ And Discounted Tablets For $59
- FOX8 – Target has acknowledged another a gift card glitch…
- Target Says Glitch That Caused Sunday’s Long Lines Was Not …
- Target apologizes for glitch that caused long lines – ABC7 News
