Jim Sells Videocassettes Over the Internet and Has Recently Acquired

question 17

Multiple Choice

Jim sells videocassettes over the internet and has recently acquired two copies of Hitchcock's 1960 masterpiece 'Psycho'. On 1 June, he places the following message on his website: "'Psycho', only £30, limited stock, first come, first served! Reply by e-mail".
Three interested people see the advert:
- Alan sends Jim an e-mail at 2.30am on 2 June. He writes 'I'd like a copy of "Psycho". I can pay by credit card'.
- Barney sees Jim's telephone number on his website. At 12.45pm on 2 June, Barney leaves the following voicemail message: 'I'd like to buy three copies of "Psycho"; would that be possible? Call me back'.
- Chris sends an e-mail at 7.45am on 3 June saying: 'I'd like a copy of "Psycho". I've sent a cheque to the address on your website'.
On the morning of 2 June, when Jim tries to start his computer it crashes. While his computer is being repaired, Jim decides to go hiking. On 3 June at 8.00am, Jim starts up his fixed computer. While he's opening his inbox, Jim listens to his voicemail. The first e-mail he opens is from Chris. While he's reading the e-mail, Jim hears Barney's message. Jim sends a copy of 'Psycho' to Barney and Chris. Jim then replies to Chris: 'The video is in the mail', but doesn't contact Barney. Finally he reads Alan's message and replies: 'Sorry, all copies have been sold'. When Chris receives the video, he is shocked to see that he's been sent the wrong film. He's never heard of Hitchcock and thought he was buying the 1998 version of 'Psycho'. Which of the following is true?

• A) Alan and Barney have contracted with Jim. They were the first to respond to his offer. The acceptance was communicated to Jim when he received the e-mail, not when he read it.
• B) Barney and Chris have concluded contracts with Jim. Their replies to Jim were offers and Jim accepted these by promptly sending the videocassettes.
• C) Alan and Chris have concluded contracts with Jim. Jim stipulated that replies must be made by e-mail, whereas Barney replied by telephone.
• D) None of the parties have concluded a contract with Jim.

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Definitions:

Bias

A preconceived notion or preference that influences judgment or decision-making, often in a way that is considered to be unfair or prejudiced.

Semantic Differential

A scale used in surveys to measure attitudes or reactions to specific objects or concepts, usually ranging from positive to negative.

Fixed-Alternative Questions

Questions used in surveys or polls that offer a set number of specific options for respondents to choose from.

Scale

The size or level of something, especially in terms of the scope or extent of production, operation, or action.