goods received in error

[cheapnchic]

we ordered some items from mail order and as a thank you we were suppose to receive some chocolates. Instead of the chocolates as displayed on the advice note we received a very expensive electronic gadget. Please could someone tell me is this a human error in our favour or do we have to return.

[granny grump]

What ever the legalities I would feel morally bound to tell the sender

[Euphemia]

Perhaps the person who ordered the electronic gadget received the flowers. I'd phone the company for clarification.

[Hopkirk]

Flowers?

Now I'm confused

[ladybirder]

Ask them. If they want it back I would send it as long as they pay the postage. If not then you've got yourself a nice expensive gadget.

[Zeuhl]

I'd inform them (in writing) and ask THEM to arrange COLLECTION- you are under no obligation to take the responsibility of sending it back.

They may cut their losses and tell you to keep it or just never get round to collecting it.

[Euphemia]

Sorry, meant chocolates, not flowers...

[factor-fiction]

Somewhere someone who ordered the new Apple-ipad3 may be wondering whether the sender will believe him when he tells them he received a box of chocolates instead

[237SJ]

I would email the company and tell them you have received something in error. Personally, I would feel under no obligation to be out of pocket in the process of getting it returned. If they sent it by mistake, it`s up to them to collect it or provide you with pre-paid postage to send it back.

[factor-fiction]

You were too quick for me, Euphemia

[cheapnchic]

thanks for your responses so far however, I know morals and know what is morally correct. My question was do I have to return it under law. I could keep the goods or be rewarded by the company for my honesty. That is why I want to know.

[cheapnchic]

@factor30 it was not an ipad3 LOL

[factor-fiction]

If they realise their error and ask for it back then I'm sure you are legally obliged to return it (at their expense not yours) or let them collect it. I don't know the legal position if they don't ask but to me the morals aspect is relevant here.

[cheapnchic]

@ 2shortplanks, i think they should reward for honesty because not everyone is honest these days. And i bet in a poll asking who would return honestly in my situation the results would be very low. I want to get my facts right before I contact them because this is a very expensive error or their behalf if it wasnt returned. I have no intentions of keeping the goods, as one shop with them a lot and two the item in my opinion would have thief written all over it every time used. So again yes i do believe honesty should be rewarded

[joko]

id keep it and say nothing...if you want it - and wait for them to ask for it back.

they may not even know you have it simply because its not on the advice note.

was everything else as it was supposed to be?

[Hopkirk]

Personally I would put it in the cupboard and wait for them to ask for it back.

[cheapnchic]

@2 short planks again, you have missed the jist of my question. The question was not asking people to comment on whether it is morally correct to return or whether I should return it or not. I have explained the purpose of my question. If I can gain from their error I will and that is not by keeping the item. My gain should be legite