eBay

kiohome · ‎03-29-2020

Hey fellow eBayers,

I have a pair of antique flags that I put together in a listing. Just for context-- they were found together, and when assessed by an expert, his thoughts were that they were probably originally displayed together, so it seemed like a good idea.

However, it turns out it was a lousy idea to list them together, as one is far more collectible than the other. I've gotten multiple inquiries about whether I'd split them up (and how much I'd sell the one flag for). I've repeatedly told everyone that I want to be fair to all interested buyers and that I will be happy to discuss offers (through the proper channels) if/when I split them up.

So... here's my dilemma: The listing has a significant number of interested parties, so I'm hesitant to just scrap it (and create two new listings) and lose all that traction.

I couldn't find anything indicating that it would be against eBay policies to change the listing (reduce the price and adjust pictures/details so that it's just for the more popular flag). But, I'm also afraid that if I do that, watchers might not be paying attention to any changes in the listing other than the price, and I'll end up getting a "not as described" complaint or the like.

Is it kosher to amend a listing from two items to one (especially, say, if I clarify upon receiving any offers, just to be safe)? Or, should I scrap it, start fresh, and hope that the watchers notice the new listing?

Thanks in advance!

cynthealee2 · ‎03-29-2020

Cancel, relist separately... put the one they all want up as auction and let em fight over it.

edited to add:

Send emails to all the ones wanted the special one with a link to the new auction and let em know that so many wanted it separated out that you wanted to give every one a chance at it.

I hate photobucket right now... PS Answers given years ago may or may not be current now, please check with current posters to the boards to see if the information is still relevant.

upgradedendmills · ‎03-29-2020

I would definitely list them individually. I would also list as fixed price at a large premium and accept offers. The accepting offers things will allow you to vet potential buyers and review their feedback history before taking an offer. A long time seller with 100% feedback and lots of it should be your target buyer, not whoever is willing to pay the highest price. Someone who deals in the same sort of item could also be a problem. If and when it sells, insure it for full value and use "restricted" signature confirmation no matter how much it costs.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-29-2020

@kiohome wrote: ... I couldn't find anything indicating that it would be against eBay policies to change the listing .... But, I'm also afraid that if I do that, watchers might not be paying attention to any changes in the listing other than the price ...

It's technically OK to revise a listing to remove one of two items. But I agree that there's a risk of confusion if you just revise the current listing.

So end it and use Relist to set up the single-item listing for the more popular flag. Watchers and others will see that you have ended and relisted, so they will be on the alert for changes. Don't worry about losing potential buyers; if they found the first listing, they'll find the new one. And you can set up a separate listing for the other flag.

FYI, when a member has a search that is saved ("followed") and is sending notifications, there can be a significant delay between the time that the listing goes live and the time that the search notification is sent out. So wait AT LEAST 36 hours after you relist, before you accept any offer.

coolections · ‎03-29-2020

@kiohome wrote:
I've gotten multiple inquiries about whether I'd split them up (and how much I'd sell the one flag for). The listing has a significant number of interested parties, so I'm hesitant to just scrap it.

Scrap it and start over. Those interested parties will still be interested if the flags are in that much of a demand.