posted on January 16, 2001 08:13:55 AM new
Hi, I don't post here often but read other posts almost daily. I have a situation with a seller and want to know if you have any advice for me.
I placed a bid on an item that had a reserve. My high bid did not meet the reserve and I ended up the higher bidder when the auction closed. I understand at this point the seller is under no obligation to sell the item to me since their reserve was not met.
The next day I recieve their end of auction email indicating the ending price and shipping amount, etc. I assume that my high bid must have been close enough to their reserve that they decided to sell the item to me anyway. I paid via Paypal within a half hour of getting their notification. This was on Friday.
On Sunday, I check my emails to find one from the seller with the headline MISTAKE!!!!. Her email said this..."I discovered that I made a mistake sending you the bill as the reserve was not met. I had a few auctions all going off at the same time and was a little careless about notifying the winners. If you would like to send XXXX dollars to cover the cost of the reserve I will gladly ship the item to you other wise I would like to send your payment back to you. This was a honest mistake and I apologize for the inconvienence. Please reply ASAP and let me know your plans on this matter."
I responded to her that I was disappointed and that I felt I had done everything she had asked of me and promptly too. I let her know that I realized the reserve had not been met but since she had sent an EOA I thought she would sell it to me anyway. I then asked her if she would be willing to split the difference, since I understand mistakes happen but I didn't think it was fair that I should take on all the responsibility.
Needless to say, I have not heard back from her, I have not gotten a refund via Paypal and I have no idea where this stands.
I have been selling on eBay for 2 years and personally if I had made this mistake I would have taken the hit and shipped with a smile. This seller is a newbie so I guess maybe she thinks this is ok.
posted on January 16, 2001 08:21:30 AM new
If you are not willing to pay the reserve price for the item, you better tell her to send your money back ASAP. What was the difference between what you paid and the reserve?
posted on January 16, 2001 08:23:52 AM new
Hello Casiebear,
Email the seller one more time. Ask that they either accept your split the difference offer or refund your payment. Ask that they do this within some time frame and acknowledge their choice by email.
