posted on July 31, 2006 12:31:34 AM
Got this via eBay's messaging system today:
Hi,
I noticed that you and I were both bidding on an Ebay item this morning - the Buffalo Bill/cowgirl cards. I am only interested in the Buffalo Bill real photo card, so if you want the other one, please email me and I'll be happy to send it to you.
I don't want to report her (she might be a future customer) but would like to warn her if such messages might get her NARU'd
sitting here with an "i don't like it" grimace on my face, lol. it might get misconstrued by eBay as "auction interference" - i.e., you don't bid because you know the other person will, to get what they want, and they'll give you part or all of the rest, thus retarding bidding. my guess is that feeBay wouldn't like that idea too much
i think feeBay could find a way to slap her for that one. especially since she sent it through eBay messaging!
posted on July 31, 2006 02:58:13 AM
Who's winning the bid?
Sounds like she's just being nice. Maybe it never occurred to her that this was against ebay law and I would hope it would only get her a warning. You may want to warn her in a way that won't get you in hot water with ebay.
posted on July 31, 2006 03:52:33 AM
In general, this scenario might fall under collusion -- but since no agreement not to bid has been made, nor offered explicitly, it's in a grey area. Has the auction ended and she is offering you the card? If so, I don't see a problem. If it hasn't ended, well, see above.
posted on July 31, 2006 06:13:31 AM
It was sent while listing was still active (and quite a bargain for the card she wanted). I had already decided to drop out, she got the card for $.50 more than my highest bid. A shame for the seller who misidentified the card in the auction- similar cards sell for several times what he got for it
