Two bidders- same bid

[tracyflick]

Hi-

I just sold an item for $55. The top bid was $55 and the next highest was $55. I'm not sure how that happened but both customers feel they won the auction, and both have a point. 

Can anyone explain the reasoning behind eBay designating one as the winner and the other not?

[partial*eclipse · Accepted solution]

Ties are possible because each new bid must be at least one full bid increment above the current high bid showing, not above the high bidder's hidden proxy bid.  Ties go to the earlier bidder.  

Your winning bidder placed a late bid on the auction because she really wanted to win it, just in case somebody else placed a late bid.  But her  bid of $55 was ealier than the loser's bid.  Your losing bidder will not find your item in their purchase history and will not be able to pay for the item or leave you feedback about it. It's surprising that a member with over 900 feedback doesn't understand this.