eBay

southernfriedbelle · ‎09-09-2017

I'm in Winter Haven, Florida. We're in Hurricane Irma's predicted path. I have ended my listings except for one that received a bid yesterday. I'd experienced little to no interest in my listings for over a month and it didn't even cross my mind to end my listings until I received the bid on the one. I realized then that we will probably be without power and Internet access for at least a few days to several weeks following the storm, and I may not be able to access the info I need to confirm payment received and to ship. Plus, I have no idea how the Postal service will be affected, and for how long.

As soon as I realized the potential mess this could be, I messaged the bidder letting them know of this possibility. I stated that if they wished to retract their bid due to the situation, I would end the listing. I also offered to relist the item once I'm able to, at their bid price, as a BIN, and to notify them immediately upon relisting it. So far, they have not responded.

Is there something else I can or should do? I'm so freaked about the storm, and can't think straight right now.

Belle

campesinoplastic2014 · ‎09-09-2017

If you can get some sleep, try to rest now. For your area, tonight will start getting a bit rough and tomorrow and tomorrow night you wont get any rest. I would be long gone, but couldn't get my horses out of here.

castlemagicmemories · ‎09-09-2017

@partial*eclipse

Partial, that is a great idea to add to the description before ending the listing!

castlemagicmemories · ‎09-09-2017

@campesinoplastic2014

Are you down there, too? In FL?

It sounds like you are. So sorry you are going through this! Wishing you and yours the best. Stay safe, blessings and prayers to you!

muttlymob · ‎09-09-2017

If you end it now and you get hit hard by the storm, you will be able to concentrate on what is important without this little thing getting in the way.

If you end it now and you don't get hit hard, you can get it back up and listed again quickly. And still not have to worry about it when there are more important things to think of.

At least a little bit of sanity could be salvaged, for a little while.

campesinoplastic2014 · ‎09-09-2017

I am in Miami.

I feel West/North Central Florida may get it worse than we are. The storm will be over water tonight and some of tomorrow, strengthening. Also, the East side of the storms circulation slings all the wind and rain onto the west coast communities as it goes by (slowly) Its worse to be east of it than it is to be West of it. I hope to GOD it doesn't build to a 5 then come ashore Tampa/St Pete tomorrow afternoon or evening.

emerald1830 · ‎09-09-2017

Stay safe!! I'm right in Tampa Bay!!!

I agree with others..ride it out, cancel their bid and explain later..

Stay safe kids!!!

southernfriedbelle · ‎09-09-2017

@campesinoplastic2014 wrote:
If you can get some sleep, try to rest now. For your area, tonight will start getting a bit rough and tomorrow and tomorrow night you wont get any rest. I would be long gone, but couldn't get my horses out of here.

Stay safe @campesinoplastic2014!! ((HUGS))

Belle

castlemagicmemories · ‎09-09-2017

@campesinoplastic2014

OMG So very sorry. It is supposed to strengthen while it is still over water. I am afraid it may get up to a 5 again.

I've sat out several hurricanes but NOTHING like this. I am not in FL but my heart goes out to all of you.

Hugs to you, campes. Prayers and blessings, too.

southernfriedbelle · ‎09-09-2017

@emerald1830 wrote:
Stay safe!! I'm right in Tampa Bay!!!

I agree with others..ride it out, cancel their bid and explain later..

Stay safe kids!!!

OMG, @emerald1830!! You stay safe too, sweetie!!

Yeah, just added the note to the listing and sent another message to the bidder. Going to give her a little while to see it and then will end it. Do I get a strike for ending it early if it has a bid?

Belle

southernfriedbelle · ‎09-09-2017

@partial*eclipse wrote:
I agree with the advice that you should just end the listing, you have so many other things to think about and deal with.

Before you end it, you can add a sentence to the Description, explaining why you're ending it and that you will relist as soon as circumstances permit. To end an auction early, use this form; as part of the cancellation process, you'll hvae the optino to cancel the bid.

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?EndingMyAuction

Thank you, @partial*eclipse! I have added the note and sent a second message to the bidder, notifying her of my decision. Will wait until 8:30 PM EDT to give her a chance to see the message and end it then.

Belle

castlemagicmemories · ‎09-09-2017

@southernfriedbelle

Belle, I think they give you one freebie but after that they charge you the final value fee when you do that.

So if you haven't done that before, you're good. Hopefully the item is not expensive if they have done away with that grace free one.

Actually, though, if it isn't expensive, the peace of mind in not having to worry about that might be worth it. And possibly if Ebay did charge you that, you could call and get it waived due to extentuating circumstances beyond your control, IRMA.

Belle, I kept wishing this thing would just go out to sea...

castlemagicmemories · ‎09-09-2017

@southernfriedbelle

You don't have to wait. Buyer can go into ended listing and see the message.

Especially given her non response to your previous message, it may be best to just do it and not wait.

Your call, though. It's 8:00 now. I just don't think you need to wait as she may or may not see it before you do. She will find out either through your message or the end listing.

southernfriedbelle · ‎09-09-2017

@muttlymob wrote:
If I end it early would one option be to close it out with the high bid winning it?

You can, but why would you?

When you end the listing you are given the choice of cancelling bids or not. If you don't cancel the bid you have a winning bidder.

Yeah, @muttlymob, excellent point. That would only be a bigger mess. Will cancel bids and end. Thanks so much for your help!

Belle

campesinoplastic2014 · ‎09-09-2017

Be safe Belle.

(( Hugs )) And the good news is you have Grady LOL.

The storm may see him and turn right around and go back

mebuck1234 · ‎09-09-2017

@southernfriedbelle wrote:
I'm in Winter Haven, Florida. We're in Hurricane Irma's predicted path. I have ended my listings except for one that received a bid yesterday. I'd experienced little to no interest in my listings for over a month and it didn't even cross my mind to end my listings until I received the bid on the one. I realized then that we will probably be without power and Internet access for at least a few days to several weeks following the storm, and I may not be able to access the info I need to confirm payment received and to ship. Plus, I have no idea how the Postal service will be affected, and for how long.

As soon as I realized the potential mess this could be, I messaged the bidder letting them know of this possibility. I stated that if they wished to retract their bid due to the situation, I would end the listing. I also offered to relist the item once I'm able to, at their bid price, as a BIN, and to notify them immediately upon relisting it. So far, they have not responded.

Is there something else I can or should do? I'm so freaked about the storm, and can't think straight right now.

I just went through this here in Houston. Cancelled all my listing but had one listing with bids. I decided to let it continue. When I woke up to no power I thought "What was I thinking. I should have cancelled it. I have enough on my mind without worrying about a buyer." Fortunately our power came back on so I was able to print a label. I kept the buyer informed along the way and when USPS started picking up and delivering I got that package out. My buyer was very understanding. With all that was happening, it was a stress I didn't need. My advice cancel and relist when you can. Stay safe.