Amazon.com Shoppers Seek Redress

Toy buyers caught up in a pricing problem at Amazon.com are reportedly turning to the Federal Trade Commission for help, charging that the online retailer deceived them. Because of a technical glitch two weeks ago, the Seattle-based company displayed some goods for a fraction of the regular retail price. The glitch lasted about 24 hours. Customers who read about the incredible sale on Internet message boards flocked to the site to make purchases, then were dismayed when the company gave them a choice between paying the difference between the price they paid and the correct price or canceling their order. CNet News reported that some of the aggrieved shoppers--including one who paid $3.49 for a $19.99 toy dump truck--said they were seeking FTC redress; the federal agency would not comment. Amazon closed off 88 cents at $32.94 on Nasdaq.