posted on February 25, 2002 06:15:56 PM new
I have an item which the high bidder is giving me the run around on. Three weeks have passed (10 days for payment stated in auction)no payment. 5 days ago he wrote and said family emergency called him out of town and he'd pay that night with paypal. Not!! Have sent more emails, no answers. Have called...got answering machine. I give up. Is it legal to offer it to 2nd high? There was a lot of interest in the item at the time. I've never had this happen before, so any help appreciated. Thanks.
posted on February 25, 2002 07:40:09 PM new
My rule of thumb that I use in your situation is:
Allow 14 days for payment to arrive. Sometimes mail can be slowed down and with some patience, payment will often come through. If not, then a friendly e-mail reminder. If no response in two days, then I file a non-paying bidder alert. If there is a response, I give 7 more days for payment to arrive. If not, again file a non-paying bidder alert. Then after the 10 day waiting period, if no payment, I neg the winning bidder then contact the second place bidder and offer it at his/her bid price.
Sounds like to me you have done enough contact with your bidder, just make sure you have done the proper steps with Ebay before offering it to the second place bidder.
Good luck to you,
bp
posted on February 26, 2002 04:42:09 AM new
I agree with barparts, but I think I would consider relisting the item. I tried dealing with a 2nd high bidder once, they dragged things on for another month trying to weasel the price down. Once I relisted, the item sold for a few bucks more than the original price. Guess who won, 2nd high bidder!
