eBay

scapemoose · ‎03-17-2025

I have not sold a lot on eBay, yet I have run into multiple cancellation requests. Some didn't check how much shipping would be (though a large and heavy item), and some claimed they couldn't afford it, though they actively bid to win the auction right up to the last minute.

These actions are either malicious or irresponsible; either way, they cost me a sale (the next-highest bidder would have won).

I can't see where I can cancel the order and revert to the next highest bid in the auction. I can't see where I can warn other sellers about these individuals - only positive reviews are allowed?!?

So far, nearly 1/4 of my sales have been canceled. Suggestions??

woodland_gnome · ‎03-17-2025

If they have paid (e.g. if you "Require buyers to provide a payment method before they place a bid" in your Buyer Requirements Page and you wait out the hour they have to manually checkout until that time has passed and the automatic payment is made) you can reject the request for cancellation and ship the item.

HOWEVER, don't be surprised if the buyer "finds" that the item was "damaged" in shipping when s/he receives it.

If s/he has not paid by 3 days after the cancellation request (assuming it is an official one through eBay rather than just a message from the buyer to you asking it) and you haven't responded by accepting or rejecting the request, it goes through automatically. But if you reject the request then you won't be able to cancel for non-payment (or any other reason) and the item will be in limbo for the 30 days that they can pay.

Note: you can make a Second Chance OFFER to any losing bidder who has not opted out of receiving those, but that is not a substitute for cancelling the order to the winner and should not be done until after the order is cancelled. The only way to force the underbidder to win and be obligated to pay is by cancelling the BID of the high bidder BEFORE the auction ends (e.g. if the bidder requested it).