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A bookseller publishes a priced catalogue stating that each order requires confirmation. What is the legal character of the catalogue?

Question and options

A bookseller publishes a priced catalogue stating that each order requires confirmation. What is the legal character of the catalogue?

  1. An invitation to customers to make offers that the seller may accept

  2. A proposal that becomes a contract when a customer places an order

  3. A standing offer that stays open to customers for a reasonable time

  4. A conditional acceptance of orders as they are received

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A - An invitation to customers to make offers that the seller may accept

A priced catalogue under which each order requires confirmation only invites customers to make offers; the customer's order is the proposal, and the bookseller accepts or declines it. Because the bookseller has reserved the right to confirm, the catalogue shows no willingness to be bound by a customer's response, so it is not a proposal under Section 2(a).

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