Ethical question of sorts...about eBay

[wackyjacky1]

It's my understanding that unless there was a reserve price built into the auction, she is obligated to sell you the item at whatever the winning bid was at the end of the auction. I would definitely contact eBay to complain.

[spotlightmama]

I did report to eBay and I did give negative feedback. She listed it with a low auction price and a "buy it now" - now she's saying she thought the buy it now price was a reserve. I don't know, she might be telling the truth. That doesn't change that it sucks for me. I told her several times that I won fairly and she should sell them, but I can't *make* anybody do anything (well, except maybe DH ). She's not budging.

I'm just wondering if I should "warn" other people on this other forum that might buy it from her there. Or is that just starting up drama?

[mimitabby]

I did report to eBay and I did give negative feedback. She listed it with a low auction price and a "buy it now" - now she's saying she thought the buy it now price was a reserve. I don't know, she might be telling the truth. That doesn't change that it sucks for me. I told her several times that I won fairly and she should sell them, but I can't *make* anybody do anything (well, except maybe DH ). She's not budging.

I'm just wondering if I should "warn" other people on this other forum that might buy it from her there. Or is that just starting up drama?

she very well might be telling the truth but ignorance does not protect you from the rules... that's called Bad Faith.

[jobob]

I think she's lying through her teeth. Has she sold other items on eBay? She would know the rules. (oops, sorry, I see from your OP that she said it was her first time)


Still, eBay makes a point of making sure that people have read the rules before they sell anything. If she lacks basic reading comprehension ability, or if she was too lazy to read the rules & just clicked on the "I understand ..." box, that's her problem, not yours.

[short cut sally]

I would definately email ebay. They are very good about listening and taking it from there. At least you got your money back..I gotta give the seller credit for that..that could've been ugly there.

[motochick]

Save the emails from her as ebay might want to see them. Good luck.

Brenda

[SouthernBelle]

I've not sold on Ebay, but I'm willing to bet that by listing she has agreed to abide by certain rules. She simply could have put in a starting bid that was within acceptable limits.

This is a case of 'Ignorance of the Law is no excuse.' Sellers like this should be banned.

[Blueberry]

I have to echo what others have said. Sellers have an option of (paying extra to) add a reserve. She probably decided to take her chances that bidding would go high enough, lost out, and decided not to sell it.

I would complain to ebay. They might not do anything because she refunded your $$, but I'd bet they won't let her re-list the item (or they'd end the auction that is up). Ebay doesn't tend to be forgiving of mistakes. I would also post your experience at the other locations she has the item for sale. Folks who are potential buyers deserve to know how you were treated. I would certainly want to know - and would choose not to buy from that person.

Good luck!

CA