Belt Auction

Should John Brown refund Tom's traveling expenses? Give reasons for your answer (Detail below)?

The following information appeared in a daily newspaper. Property Services, No.56Newpark Sale town Public Auction Sale On January 25,2002 at 10:00 a.m. i will offer for sale on the date and at the place mentioned above the following vehicle: One 1999 Toyota Mini Bus Terms of Sale: (1) Strictly cash on the fall of the hammer. (2) Vehicle on view on the morning of the sale. (3) Vehicle will be sold as is where is. Tom who lived twenty miles away. drove to the address on the date specified with the intention of purchasing the minibus. On arrival he was told by the auctioneer that the bus was no longer available and was removed from the items to be auctioned. Tom became furious, threatened to sue fro breach of contract and demanded a refund of his traveling expenses.

Public Comments

1. No. Tom traveled to the auction with no guarantee he'd be able to buy the bus anyway - someone might easily have bid more than he was willing to pay. An advertisement does not bind the offeror to sell the item to anyone who shows up. Tom is out of luck. Richard