NJ Jurisdiction is not Available Based Upon a One-Time Internet Post by Non-NJ Resident

In a precedential opinion, New Jersey's Appellate Division held that a one-time internet post created by a private out-of-state resident seeking to sell a used vintage automobile did not create sufficient contacts to invoke the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Courts.  The internet post was made by a California man, seeking to sell his used vintage automobile.  A man in New Jersey responded to the internet post and the parties came to a quick agreement on price ($40,000).  The New Jersey man hired a third-party trucking company to pick up the car in California and transport it to New Jersey. When the vintage car arrived in New Jersey, the Buyer did not like the condition of the car and wanted to sue the California man in New Jersey state court.  However, the court held that the one-time internet post by an out-of-state resident did not create sufficient contacts to invoke the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Courts, and the lawsuit would have to be filed in California.
 
This case is an example of the 21st Century's caveat emptor or "buyer beware." Buyers, when purchasing products on-line, have to remain vigilant in vetting where virtual purchases are made. Large on-line retailers generally have sufficient contacts with the majority of continental states that jurisdiction can be readily invoked. However an individual seller that merely posts a "for sale" ad does not personally submit to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the State wherein the ad is answered. When a problem arises, it is buyer beware.  (Jardim v. Overley)