Apparently, Asus'
Eee PC is so small, even
NewEgg's atypically quick fulfillment crew couldn't believe that five of these things could fit into a single cardboard shipping box, so they just decided to slap labels on entire cases and let 'em rip. Truth be told, there's no telling how nor why a number of users on the EeeUser.com forums were initially sent five machines for the price of one, but judging by a list of reports and even an accompanying picture, 'tis true. Supposedly, NewEgg caught on to what was happening and began turning shipments around before they were delivered, but rather than getting an apologetic call, credit towards a future purchase and a single overnighted laptop, some customers actually received all five. Granted, we're hearing that those in the latter camp were kind enough to let honesty prevail, but who knows how many lurkers are quietly slipping their newfound Eee PCs onto eBay as we speak. So, the question beckons: did any of you receive a whole lot of unexpected Eee PCs? Do tell.
[Via
DailyTech]
posted November 5th 2007 5:19PM
Karma? Whose to say Karma isn't on the side of the receiver this time? Maybe those folks got burned enough on the the Iphone & PS3 release and this is Karma coming to provide a little holiday cheer.
Seriously, though. If Newegg doesn't demand the units back, those who decide to "keep" the units are still obligated to pay a gift tax to the IRS on the units. Newegg is obligated to notify the IRS and provide tax details on the mistake, I mean gift. They will probably require the receivers information to be submitted to the IRS as well.
I don't want to argue with the moral majority on what is right and wrong, but I will affirm the legal squad's position on what the recipient is obligated to do: nothing.
The laws on the books date back to postal scams where unscrupulous companies would send goods without request, then inform the new owner they had a limited time to return the product. Later, the company would send a bill, usually overpriced, and harass the unwitting recipient until they received payment.
These companies were later found guilty of fraud in higher courts, and new postal codes were written to discourage this sort of behavior. As a result of these decisions, when you send someone something they did not request, you grant the recipient ownership of the item without limitation.
If you're tech savvy, you might feel a pain in the pit of your stomach when you hear someone explain how RDRAM must be the best on the market, because it's the most expensive. This might trigger you to give a long and uncomfortable speech on technology patents, supply and demand, and the speed of research.
Please be aware that this holds true for most every field of expertise, law not excluded, and logical jumps do not always fall safe when you're in unfamiliar territory.
Honest? Honest has nothing to do with it. If NewEgg shipped it, it belongs to the recipient, who's under no legal obligation to return it. Of course, there might be a moral obligation...
Food for though guys:
By keeping them and NewEgg.com losing money on this will it not promote them to provide better standards next time?
I guess the point is that for some reason people think newegg is selling stuff cheap as a favor to us. When in fact their great service, low pricing is due to smarts/efficency and a business model that supports low margin high volume.
By most peoples accounts in the comments, you would stick it to the guy that sold you a $2k laptop with higher profit margin because he is "MAKING MONEY"
Umm, NewEgg usually ships this kind of item by FedEx (or UPS). Would the postal code cover that?
Irregardless of that law, I expect them to do business in an honest way and so I am obligated to honesty. You did not pay for 5. Just because you can screw someone or company does not mean you should. We live in a civil society of rules and morals.