View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Cybersecurity
December 15, 2014

Shoppers take advantage of Amazon 1p glitch

RepricerExpress software reduces bargain items to 1p.

By Amy-Jo Crowley

Businesses are facing potential bankruptcy after a software glitch allowed hundreds of bargain items to be sold on Amazon for as little as 1p.

The error occurred on Friday evening and was caused by a piece of software supplied by RepricerExpress, which automatically adjusts the cost of items to make them cheaper than others.

An Amazon spokesman said in a statement: "We responded quickly and were able to cancel the vast majority of orders placed on these affected items immediately and no costs or fees will be incurred by sellers for these cancelled orders."

"We are now reviewing the small number of orders that were processed and will be reaching out to any affected sellers directly."

RepricerExpress boss Thomas Doherty added: "I am truly sorry for the distress this has caused our customers. We have received communication that Amazon will not penalise sellers for this error."

"We are continuing to work to identify how this problem occurred and to put measures in place to ensure that it does not happen again."

A number of people took to Twitter to remind consumers that businesses were at stake as a result of the glitch.

Content from our partners
An evolving cybersecurity landscape calls for multi-layered defence strategies
Powering AI’s potential: turning promise into reality
Unlocking growth through hybrid cloud: 5 key takeaways

"People taking advantage of the 1p amazon glitch has annoyed me so much. Feel sorry for all the buisnesses who have lost so much from this," said Charlotte Sometimes on Twitter.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU