The unsolicited receipt of merchandise from an online retailer, beyond what was ordered and paid for, presents a multifaceted situation for the recipient. For instance, a customer ordering a single book might unexpectedly receive two copies of the same title, or an entirely different, additional product.
This occurrence can offer advantages, such as the potential for a free gift or the opportunity to donate or resell the extra goods. However, it also raises ethical and legal considerations, as the recipient has not paid for the surplus item. Historically, postal regulations and consumer protection laws often dictate that unsolicited merchandise can be kept as a gift.