Contracts:
Alfie advertises sale of vintage wine in a local newspaper on Saturday 1st August for $5000. He receives an email from Charlie on Sunday 2nd August willing to buy the wine for $4500, but specifies that Alfie has to respond "in writing to me personally in order for the deal to proceed.
Alfie posts a letter to Charlie accepting $4500 at 12pm on 7th August.
However, Alfie has second thoughts about the low purchase price. He rings Charlie and tells him that, although he has sent him an acceptance letter, Charlie should ignore it because he has decided not to proceed. Charlie is upset and starts shouting at Alfie, but Alfie puts down the phone.
When Charlie receives Alfie's letter on Monday 10 August, he replies with a letter thatconfirms receipt of Alfie's acceptance. He asks in the letter when he can pick up thewine.
Alfie ends up agreeing to sell the wine to another person over the phone on Tuesday 11 August. Following this, Alphie receives Charlies letter.
What is the legal issue in this transaction?