A buyer pays for goods but meshichah is not yet performed. He changes his mind and retracts. What happens?
After money is paid but before meshichah, either party may retract legally — but the retracting party receives the mi shepara court adjuration. After the curse is pronounced, the money is returned.
Question 2
A buyer leaves collateral (not payment) for goods and later retracts. Does he receive mi shepara?
Collateral is not payment and does not finalize the transaction. Either party may retract freely without receiving the mi shepara curse, since no money changed hands.
Question 3
A buyer marks purchased goods with his identifying sign (no money paid yet). The seller retracts. What is the ruling?
Making a mark on purchased goods — in the seller's presence or with seller's permission — creates sufficient moral commitment that retraction by either party triggers mi shepara.
Question 4
An agent is given money by three people to buy an article. The money was mixed together and the agent used part of it. Who owns the purchase?
When partner funds are mixed and indistinguishable, a purchase made with part of that money belongs to all partners proportionally to their contributions — regardless of the agent's intent.
Question 5
A person verbally agrees to sell but later retracts before any payment or marking. Is he legally liable?
A verbal-only agreement is not legally binding and triggers no court penalty. However, retracting makes one 'mechusar emunah' — lacking faithfulness — and the spirit of the Sages is not at ease with such a person.