Legal Question in Consumer Law in Virginia

Purchased product from a minor

I purchased a website design on line for $450, which I paid by check. I learned of this designer from Ebay, although I didn't buy on ebay. It turns out that the seller was only 16 at the time. Since he was and is selling on Ebay I had no reason to question his age. My website is not working and he will not fix it. I tracked down his parents who said they would have him fix it. That was over 3 weeks ago and I have heard nothing. Not only is he the web designer but he is the site adminsitrator so I can't do anything unless he fixes it or gives me the files so I can move the website and get someone else to fix it. My recent e-mails and calls are being ignored- so his parents obviously are not planning to do anything. And by the way he does take credit cards through Paypal on Ebay, so he is either lying to them about his age, or his parents are involved in his activities. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.


Asked on 10/22/06, 8:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Purchased product from a minor

As far as I'm aware, minors in every U.S. jurisdiction are permitted to disaffirm their contracts which do not involve the purchase of life's necessaries. Consequently, in your particular situation I'd have to surmise that

you're likely pretty much out of luck unless you can get Ebay to shoulder part of the blame and recompense you, accordingly.

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Answered on 10/22/06, 8:07 pm


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