Is this common on ebay?

[cinmell]

Is it common for potential buyers to contact you to try to get you to end the auction early by saying they will be on vacation or in the hospital when the auction is scheduled to end but really want to buy the item?

I've had this happen twice in the past two days. Can you end an auction early? (although I wouldn't) I'm assuming this is their way of trying to get the item for as cheap as possible so they don't have to get into a "bidding war"? One person won't let up, it's getting pretty annoying!

 

[MidNite]

Tell them to either forget it or set up a snipe bidder. Don't give in. It obviously means they know the item's going to sell for more than they are offering.


ETA: Yes, happens to me all the time.

 

[scrump]

I've had that happen. I usually just suggest that they bid their maximum bid (like they're supposed to do anyway), and if they're the winners, I'll wait for them to return to set up payment/shipping procedures.

 

[inaminute]

It's very common. My standard reply is "I'm sorry, but I don't end auctions early under any circumstances."

If this person continues to contact you after you tell them "no" you might want to block them from bidding. That kind of persistence could be a sign of a problem buyer.

 

[cinmell]

Thanks everyone!

I've seen where you can block general types of buyers (buyers w/out paypal account ect) but I haven't seen where you can block a specific buyer? Is that option in another section?

 

[eclectics]

Thanks everyone!

I've seen where you can block general types of buyers (buyers w/out paypal account ect) but I haven't seen where you can block a specific buyer? Is that option in another section?

Yes, there is a "blocked buyer" list you can make. Just add their name and they can't bid on any of your items. If that one guy keeps harrasing you, report him to ebay! And don't believe the "excuses" they give for wanting to end the auction. It's all lies. They just want the item without having to bid. I've heard it all before!!!! Good luck!

 

[chrissyk]

Yes, just search Ebay for "blocked bidder list" and add the ID's that you don't want bidding on your auctions.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

You can end an auction early, in the event the item becomes damaged in some way or if it was listed by mistake. Ending an item early to sell to someone outside of eBay is a form of fee avoidance.

You can add eBayers to your bidder block list. Check here for information on adding someone to the list.

 

[inaminute]

I've heard it all before!!!!

Me too. Although, I do give the benefit of the doubt. That doesn't mean I'm a pushover though! I have set policies and I stick by them. It makes doing business on eBay so much easier.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Not all are fibs.

Only asked once for a seller to end an auction early. It was for an advance reader copy of a book for my brother who was recovering from open heart surgery. The seller was kind enough to let me buy it immediately.

 

[cinmell]

Thank you!

Thanks for the link Obi Wan!