Question: Tieng operates a webstore selling consumer electronics, including tablets. On 31 May she advertises an end of financial year sale via social media,email newsletters, and
Tieng operates a webstore selling consumer electronics, including tablets. On 31 May she advertises an end of financial year sale via social media,email newsletters, and her website. The sale advertisements include the new Orange iTablet, for a special introductory price of $599 (rather than $799),'available to the first twenty customers placing webstore orders after 12:01AM on 14 June'. On 7 June, Tieng changes her mind about the discount, but doesn't change her advertisements. On 14 June, she charges all customers (including the first twenty) the regular $799 price for the Orange iTablet. Nisha,who placed the first order in the webstore at 12:05AM on 14 June, is unhappy about being charged full price. She complains,and argues that Tieng is legally required to sell her an Orange iTablet for$599
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Following her disastrous 'end of financial year sale', Tieng decides to sell her webstore business and to start a new business. Katie is interested in purchasing the webstore business. Tieng and Katie swap email addresses to negotiate the sale. Tieng emails Katie on 1 July and offers to sell her the business for $500,000. Katie replies by email on 3 July, stating that she accepts the offer. Because 3 July is a Saturday, and Tieng is away camping that weekend, she doesn't see Katie's email (or read it) until Monday 5 July. On Sunday 4 July, Katie finds out that her uninsured investment property has burned down in a fire caused by a lightning strike. She can no longer afford to purchase Tieng's business, and calls Tieng on Sunday evening, letting her know. After Tieng sees Katie's acceptance email the next day, Tieng wants the sale of the business to proceed. Has Tieng formed a valid agreement with Katie for the sale of the business, according to the law of contract? Please refer to any relevant legal cases and/or legislation to support your arguments, and ensure that you fully explain your answer. Type your answer in the box below. (4 marks.)
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