Is there a policy against canceling an item with bids to sell it BIN to another buyer?

[plasticmemories]

I am frequently asked by potential buyers to cancel auctions and instead sell them items at a set BIN price (or Make An Offer for an agreed price). Most often, this happens when there is already a high bid from another user on an item, and that is the reason I give for declining such an offer. It does not feel right to sell an item out from under bidders to take an immediate offer, unless MAYBE that person was the current high bidder.

BUT, is there an eBay policy that disallows this practice?

For one thing, I don't want to cancel an item with bids, so can I create a separate auction for the same item with a BIN or Best Offer price and hope the interested buyer quickly comes through? (I did this once for the high bidder on an auction who was in a hurry, and lo and behold, they did not buy the item, forcing me to cancel the second listing, and ended up trying--and failing-- to win the auction at a lower price.

Thanks for your help!

[plasticmemories]

The urgency is an upcoming birthday. Do I believe it? Ehh....

[heckofagame]

If this gift is intended for me, then yes, believe it

[plasticmemories]

You've all been amazingly supportive and quick in your responses, bringing my attention to aspects of this dilemma (like state law) that I hadn't even considered. I love this community! I think the proper course of action is overwhelmingly clear, and I'm planning to respond to the buyer in this manner:

Hi (Buyer), I truly appreciate your generous offer and empathize with the urgency. As an eBay seller in good standing who wants to be fair to my customers, however, I don't cancel auctions that have active bids. I'd certainly be happy if you'd like to bid on the auction, even if the items get there a little later -- After payment, I would ship next business day in the U.S. via USPS Priority. You might even win the auction for less than your offered. As I mentioned, I truly appreciate your offer and I regret not being able to cancel the auction.

[jayjaspersgarage]

Yes, it's called the common sense policy in the how to be a polite seller chapter.  

[ittybitnot]

@plasticmemories 

How exactly are you receiving "offers" on auction listings with bids?   Are they just using the eBay message system or are they using the REAL make offer flow?  

If they are just using the message system, I would simply thank them for their interest and say you will be looking forward to their bid....end of story.   

[coolections]

If you intend to continue to do auctions it is best to not play games. Just let the auctions end as intended.

[plasticmemories]

They are direct messages and, as you suggested, I'm just inviting them to bid.

[downunder-61]

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@plasticmemories wrote:

They are direct messages and, as you suggested, I'm just inviting them to bid.

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Good decision, I am going to call SCAM set up on this one.

Someone wanting a birthday present ? Leaves it this late then sorts by Auction, riiiight 

[ittybitnot]

Good decision, I am going to call SCAM set up on this one.

Someone wanting a birthday present ? Leaves it this late then sorts by Auction, riiiight 

@downunder-61

Yep...I'd go for a "text me" scammer that wants a gift card or two for that "birthday" present as well. 

[albertabrightalberta]

The only "ebay legal" way to end an auction listing early is to end it to sell to the high bidder at the high bid price. And if there's this much interest, you certainly don't want to do that! 

[sin-n-dex]

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@plasticmemories wrote:

This is exactly my feeling. Someone is making a very generous offer on some fairly rare items because they want them ASAP to give as a gift. I want to oblige and it's a good deal, but it does strike me as bad practice for an eBay seller. Puts me in a time-sensitive dilemma. I also appreciate the helpful info that has been offered about eBay policy.

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It's completely bunk. There is no urgency, there is no gift, except the gift they make to themselves with the urgency of buying it before anyone else does.

I get that with auctions sometimes about how it's their old man's birthday and he loves coins from x country and wants me to end the auction to sell to him right now.

I just tell the bidders they aren't the only one asking and it wouldn't be fair to everyone else for me to sell to them without giving others a chance too. (Or I say there are many watchers or many inquiries on that item). I tell them if they want the item to bid, and bid higher than everyone else.

C.

[plasticmemories]

This was a good strategy; the buyer was understanding of my position about fairness and said they would consider bidding on the auction.

[plasticmemories]

In the end, the item ended up selling for almost $300 more than the seller offered! Stupid me just didn't realize the value. Glad I listened to all the good advice here and let the auction finish.

[dryophelia]

@plasticmemories 

Thanks for returning with the update and I’m glad you held out. 

Did this guy ever actually place a bid?

[plasticmemories]

Actually, nope! lol