Q: Does the initial listing that you post when you’re selling a used item online account as a legal contractual offer?
Basically I was trying to sell my used computer and I posted it on various apps and online marketplaces and I forgot to take it down on one of them after I sold it. I just want to know if those initial listing are considered contractual offers or are they viewed more as invitations to offer or advertisements? How am I legally bound or am I even legally bound contractually to a listing to sell something in an online marketplace? I just don’t understand when an actual offer and acceptance are considered to be made in these situations.
A: FYI, the law is not designed to solve every little problem that comes your way during this lifetime; the Latin phrase for this rule is "De minimus non curat lex." In this case the amount of money involved is way too small to be of interest to most lawyers; and you are advised not to worry about it either, because it does not matter. If you no longer have the used computer then it is obvious that you cannot (lawfully) sell it--again. Right? Forget it.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
