Is it ethical to end an Ebay auction early?

[Shake-Man]

I'm selling an item on Ebay. I've already got a bid. Somebody else emails me and asks if I'll end the auction early for X amount. Is that ethical? I'm assuming the guy wants to get the item by Christmas, and the auction doesn't end for another 6 days. I don't want to break any rules. Any Ebayholics wanna help me out here? Thanks.

[Kym]

Hmmmm...yes and no I guess. Ebay lists one of the reasons for ending an auction early is because "The item is no longer available for sale." Theoretically, if you sold the item to someone else, it's no longer available for sale. I've had it happen to items I've been bidding on before. It's upsetting, but I've always recovered ;)

Kym

[velvet49329]

I have ended an auction early before. I just did what Kym said,listed the reason as the item is no longer available. Never had any complaints about it. My auction did have a reserve and no one had met it at the time,then I got an offer that was like a couple of bucks short of my reserve,so I took it.

You must CYA(cover your a**) though. Don't accept the offer without letting them know any conditions you have for the sale of the item. If you don't go through Ebay and you follow through but they are unhappy with the item or something,they can file a complaint with Ebay. They aren't protected by Ebay's plans,but they can shut down your Ebay account because they can say you were trying to avoid paying seller's fees. I have never had this happen to me,but I know someone who has.

[HSlater351]

Hi Shakeman;

I have also had someone email me a similar request. In my case the item still had no bids so I took the offer. However since your item already has a bid I think it's probably better to continue with the auction.

Goodluck with whatever you decide -- Only YOU can know what you're comfortable with!

[Shake-Man]

Thanks guys. I think I'll just continue with the auction. I don't think it would really be fair to the guy that already bid (and met the reserve price) to end it early. If the guy that emailed me really wants it, he can wait til the auction is ending and bid his price.

[Dixiebelle31]

I am an ebay seller too with over 1000 positive feedbacks. That is a tough question since the item already has a bid. I've ended auctions early for various reasons but none ever had a bid. You can always write to the bidder and tell them due to circumstances beyond your control you have to end the auction. My sister has done that once or twice when she found a flaw with the item she was selling that she hadn't noticed when she listed it. You can totally end it early but you might get more for it if you don't.

[Tartallini]

Buyers sometimes try to 'cut a deal on the side' or undercut other bidders in this way, but either way, you still pay some auction fees and if the bidder who made the offer on the side finks out... you have the hassle and expense (be it small...) of relisting it.

I think you did the right thing sticking with the auction and letting the chips, or bids rather, fall where they may.

Good luck... I hope it's a postive experience for you.

A.

[Kimberly]

I wouldn't do it. But then if I only had one bid and it was acceptable I guess I would pull the item assuming he would have me the money via paypal pronto.

[nanadebc50]

Hey Shakeman, 1st of all, I want to say, I always enjoy reading your posts.I'm amazed you actually know how to post a serious one.:cheer2: You're always good for a laugh and I look to see what you've been posting(how I got here). I've never responded before but this one I felt compelled to add my two cents worth to. I absolutely think you made the right decision by continuing the auction. You could really get stung by pulling it early. What if the guy backs out of it, then what? :( (I think it's different if you hadn't had a previous bid). Good decision. I think we ought to put ourselves in the other persons place first, and we often get a clearer perspective...Keep those funny posts coming:cheer: :cheer4: :cheer3: HAPPY HOLIDAYS:hello: I'm off to finish shopping!!!:smile11: :cool3: