posted on November 14, 2000 07:58:23 AM new
This happens regularly and every time I have trouble finding an appropriate response.
I am being asked to end an auction early. They haven't made an offer, but are instead asking me what amount I would take.
I don't know how much the item will sell for (probably about $25, but you never know!). I prefer to take my chances and let the auction run its course.
Question: How do you word a response explaining that you won't end the auction? I don't think there will be a lot of people bidding on this, so I don't want to discourage this person from getting into the bidding game.
It is a new listing and there aren't any bids yet. In cases where there are bids already I find it easier to say 'no.'
posted on November 14, 2000 08:07:47 AM new
If my experience is at all typical, the person writing to ask to end the auction will not bid, if the auction is left running. I don't know why, but that's what's always happened to me.
posted on November 14, 2000 08:19:54 AM new
That kind of item makes for a tough choice. If it's a generic widget, you can get a pretty good feel for what to expect. With a specialized item like you have, there's no way to be sure you'll even get a bidder, but if you get two, you can do real well.
posted on November 14, 2000 08:28:28 AM new
Had that happen to me a few weeks ago... The item had only been listed for two hours when I got my first bid. Within minutes, I got an email from that bidder asking me to end the auction early and offering me $200 for it. The item was rare but in poor condition so I hadn't a clue what it would go for. I emailed the guy and told him I had decided to let the auction run its course (nicely) - and he turned out to be the winner at $350.
posted on November 14, 2000 09:54:05 AM new
I sell some items on consignment and I always tell the person who asked me to end an auction early:
I am selling this item for my mother and my agreement with her will not allow me to close an auction early. You are free to bid on the item and I wish you luck!
Sometimes they bid and sometimes they don't. You never know.
