ebay bidding question

[LeslieG]

I bid on an item on ebay that had a reserve attached to it. I was the high bidder, but did not win because the reserve wasn't met. But I actually bid more than what the final price showed. For example, the other bidder bid $500, so it then took my bid only to $510, even though the amount of my bid was closer to $600. Will the seller be able to see what my full bid amount would have been? Or would ebay automatically have made me the winner if my highest bid would have been above the reserve? I'm confused. I know there's expert e-bayers on the disboard.

 

[lindsmom]

I bid on an item on ebay that had a reserve attached to it. I was the high bidder, but did not win because the reserve wasn't met. But I actually bid more than what the final price showed. For example, the other bidder bid $500, so it then took my bid only to $510, even though the amount of my bid was closer to $600. Will the seller be able to see what my full bid amount would have been? Or would ebay automatically have made me the winner if my highest bid would have been above the reserve? I'm confused. I know there's expert e-bayers on the disboard.

In the example you give, let's say the reserve was set at $550. Your bid would have been bumped to $550 to meet the reserve. Since you set your bid to (let's say) $580 but it only registered the minimum bid increase it means the reserve was higher than the amount (580) you bid. The seller will not see what your bid was because of that reserve. Technically your bid was only the minimum increase.

That sounds confusing, I know. Maybe someone else can explain better.

 

[rainy~daze]

it sounds like your max bid was still below the reserve set for the item, so ebay had no reason to default up to your max bid, because it still wasn't enough to 'win' the item in question. you can always try emailing the seller, let them know you were willing to pay up to x for the item, would they be willing to sell for that and if so can they relist it with a buy it now price for what you would spend, then go thru microsoft cashback for 10% cashback on buy it now items.

 

[LeslieG]

Is there any procedure in place for the seller to offer it to the high bidder, being me , even though the reserve wasn't met? Like a second-chance offer?

 

[Dancemom03]

They could offer you a second chance on it, and sometimes that happens, but unless you were very close to what they hoped to sell for it probably isn't likely. A second chance offer could only be sent on the ending bid showing, not the maximum bid that you entered. Using your example, they'd have to sell it to you for $510 if they chose that option.

It never hurts to email the seller and let them know you were the high bidder, then politely ask what the reserve was and if item is still available. If they don't want to bother with relisting fees/time/hassle they may be willing to consider an offer...