The Joneses, the plaintiffs, agreed to purchase a freezer

The Joneses, the plaintiffs, agreed to purchase a freezer for $900 as the result of a salesperson’s visit to their home. Tax and financing charges raised the total price to $1,234.80. After making payments totaling $619.88, the plaintiffs brought a suit in a New York state court to have the purchase contract declared unconscionable under the UCC. At trial, the freezer was found to have a maximum retail value of approximately $300.

• Impact of This Case on Today’s Law This early case illustrates the approach that many courts today take when deciding whether a sales contract is unconscionable—an approach that focuses on excessive price and unequal bargaining power.