Store nearly doubles price after I placed an order

[Maes John]

I ordered an item at a internet store in the UK.My order was confirmed (I have screenshots of this)

Unfortunately, an error occurred with the Paypal-payment. When I asked the store to provide me their account-number in order to transfer the money, they told me that I had to replace the order on their website and try to pay again with Paypal.

When I visited the website, the price of the item was nearly doubled in price. The store told me by e-mail that they advertised the wrong price on their website an amended this. They only want to accept an order if I pay the new price. The item was never out of stock.

Is this legal?
According to me, we reached an agreement about the item to be sold and the price to be paid. Once an order is confirmed, a store cannot change the price.

[sarnieken]

There have been recent cases involving internet shopping.
Argos had accidentally advertised plasma screens for �60 instead of �600.
Now, normal sale of goods laws treat prices as what is called an 'invitation to treat'. When you buy something at a price you are in essence just offering to buy the product at the price advertised. Them accepting funds means that they are agreeing to this. Even when money does change hands, if it is for a price that doesn't represent the true value of the goods then it cannot be enforced.

therefore, unless you are willing to chase it through the courts then you may have to give in.

for the record, what was the price you 'paid' and what is it up for now?

[Hammer]

Companies aften include a disclaimer on the email confirmations which basically say they haven't entered into a contract yet, and will not until they despatch your goods.

Legally, the vendor advertises a price, you offer to buy, THEN they accept and the contract becomes binding. Before the final stage they are within theor rights to decline your offer.

You say your order was confirmed - was it confirmed as received, or confirmed as accepted and legally binding. Was their any small print on your confirmation?

[Maes John]

Thanks for your answers, sarnieken and Hammer.

In Belgium, where I live, the states there agreement is reached whenever two parties agree on the product/service and the price.

But I understand that in the UK the laws differ a little bit.

By the way, sarnieken, the original price was 79 EUR. The store raised it to 137,75 EUR.