Selling a bicycle

[silverbb55]

This is about a straight sale, not an auction, but I couldn't find anywhere else that could answer my question. If this is not appropriate, please delete.

When selling an item, if there are multiple buyers who are all interested, how do you break a tie the fair way? I can't just take the first responder, because all came in very close in time with all others. I don't even know how many are serious and can't spend the time to sort that out. Would it be appropriate to send a message to all saying anybody that's interested, submit a bid higher than my stated price? 

[inhawaii]

If this is not an auction, if this is for a buy it now/fixed price listing, you set the price and the first one who buys it wins.

Easy.

[silverbb55]

Thanks, and I understand the basics, but in this case, I received 10+ inquiries within 5 minutes, some needing more information and others simply asking if it was for sale, for which I replied that I would get back to them soon. Another said he wanted it, and call for me to call some phone number, which I'm guessing he had bad intentions. I can start messaging each back, but it's not fair to the last person on the list as the first could answer saying he wants it before I give the last guy a chance to respond. I'm trying to be as fair as I know how to so it can't be held against me later, as I know some of these folks. 

[alcoforever]

The first one that pays you wins.    Questions mean nothing.

[soh.maryl]

If it's not an auction, how can they submit a bid? If these folks are making offers, would you not simply accept the best offer?  

And I see no current listings for you, so what are we talking about here? 

[simply-the-best-for-you]

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@silverbb55 wrote:

Thanks, and I understand the basics, but in this case, I received 10+ inquiries within 5 minutes, some needing more information and others simply asking if it was for sale, for which I replied that I would get back to them soon. Another said he wanted it, and call for me to call some phone number, which I'm guessing he had bad intentions. I can start messaging each back, but it's not fair to the last person on the list as the first could answer saying he wants it before I give the last guy a chance to respond. I'm trying to be as fair as I know how to so it can't be held against me later, as I know some of these folks. 

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None of that matters.  Whoever pays first, buys it.  You have no say in the matter. 

ETA:  Also, you are correct, do NOT call any phone numbers, do not text, do not be open to taking the sale off Ebay.  All questions should occur on the site. 

[susanb1872]

You might want to look at their feedback-in particular, the feedback they leave for others. I have heard this before in other posts and that this might help you sort out troublesome buyers.

[inhawaii]

Because of the overwhelming response, maybe you are considering raising your asking price?

But as others have said, inquiring means nothing. 

You may have a dozen inquiries but coming up with the cash is another thing. 

My advice...

Set the price at what you are happy to get.

Don't forget to include expenses such as shipping, ebay fees and tax.

The first one to buy it wins.

Good luck!

[nobody*s_perfect]

"I can start messaging each back, but it's not fair to the last person on the list as the first could answer saying he wants it before I give the last guy a chance to respond."

This is a business transaction. Stop focusing on "fair" and start thinking about how you can make the most money out of this transaction. As others have noted, your item is available for anybody to purchase right now, so those who fail to do so, and who start asking questions instead, are just forfeiting any right to claim that they were there first. "You snooze, you lose!"

Just answer any legitimate questions, and block the member who asked for phone contact. When answering questions, you might briefly mention that you have gotten a lot of interest ("Sorry it took so long to reply; I have received so many inquiries to answer...") , to light a fire under them.

 https://www.ebay.com/bmgt/BuyerBlock

[johnrj1226]

With a fixed price listing (or  a straight up sale as you call), whoever pays up first wins - they are the only buyer you have.    "Interested" people are just  "shoppers".

You can't  all of a sudden change a fixed price listing to a bidding war 'cause you have "lots of interest".

[fern*wood]

Are you even selling this on ebay?  That one question sounds more like facebook.  

[aproudparent2010]

I agree with the above poster. Sounds like you are selling this on Facebook or a similar platform and not eBay since you say you know some of these people.

If this isn't an eBay item I'm not sure why you are asking here?

[aproudparent2010]

I don't think they are even selling this on eBay. I think it's Facebook or something because they said they know some of these people and don't want to upset any of them.

[soh.maryl]

Care to show us the eBay item number? 

[fab_finds4u]

Is this on another name because I can't  see the listing. 

Selling an expensive item on an account with zero feedback for selling attracts scammers. Everything they need to know is in the listing so there should be no reason to contact you.  You should start out selling low cost items and gain some feedback for selling because scammers rarely try to trick experienced sellers.

I would make the listing buy now with immediate payment required. I would also set my buyer requirements to require a payment method before they can bid, and before they can make an offer.

https://www.ebay.com/bmgt/buyerrequirements 

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