posted on October 18, 2001 07:29:48 AM new
The polite way to go about the situation without leaving you with any exposure is to do nothing and let the auction play out on its own.
posted on October 18, 2001 07:35:36 AM new
The smart way to go about the situation if you're satisfied with $xxx is take the sale. You know what they say about A Bird In the Hand ...
posted on October 18, 2001 07:39:36 AM new
Well, yesterday, when it was at $22 someone offered me $40.
Today at over $100, the bidder offers me $200. And it has 5 days to go.
posted on October 18, 2001 07:39:51 AM new
If you want to be polite just say, Thank you for your offer. It is my policy to not end auctions early especially if they have bids.
Just read the above info. Do not end the auction early. Generally when people make offers the item is worth more than they are offering. I've had that happen many times. Have you researched your item? What do you think it's worth?
posted on October 18, 2001 07:46:11 AM new
LOL, actually I didn't know, until someone emailed me a link about it. It was the same 'thing' that was used on an old comedy show. So its value, I guess is up to the fans of this show?
I started it at one cent, like everything else..........
posted on October 18, 2001 08:10:14 AM new
"I know its against all rules"
Actually, its not against any rules that I know of. Its especially easy in this case, since the person offering the $ is current high bidder. If you ended the auction now, ebay would collect a FVF based on their methodology, and you'd pay it. If the high bidder happens to pay you more, I'm not aware of any rule you've broken.
Generally, from examples given in this forum, accepting these offers is almost always a good way for you to lose money. Rarely does a buyer offer you an above-market value amount. I suppose there is the occasional time someone needs the item immediately and is willing to pay extra for the priviledge, but mostly its bargain hunters who hope to take advantage of an "unknowledgable" seller. Your initial starting bid of a penny may have been interpreted as not knowing about this item's true worth (which is actually the case, but just coincidentally in this case).
posted on October 18, 2001 09:25:34 AM new
It IS a form of fee avoidance. I have a friend who was suspended for a week for accepting just such an offer.
Don't believe that old "Bird in the hand" stuff!
Last month I was offered $400 to end an auction early, refused and it closed for $575.
posted on October 18, 2001 10:21:28 AM new
How could they find out? For one, it could be and eBay employee making the offer. I don't think entrapment has any meaning to eBay and you could be suspended with no explination from them.
Secondly, it could be a competitor. If you accept they could turn around and report you to eBay and eliminate some of their competition.
In any event, I think it's wise to just politely say no thank you and go on about your business.
posted on October 18, 2001 10:41:22 AM new
LOL - I rarely have this type of item any more. People don't want to pay jack anymore.
A few years ago when I was liquidating my MIL's collection of 1950s country music items, I got this type of request frequently. My (truthful) answer was always that I was running these auctions for my SIL and my agreement with her forbid me to sell early. All who e-mailed were understanding and, if I recall correctly, all of these auctions ended at a higher price than was offered.
By mentioning my agreement with a third party, it shifted the "blame" for not selling early.
