posted on August 29, 2002 12:14:50 AM new
I have several auctions running for a certain software program. The asking price is $6.98. One auction ended tonight. Two bidders, one bid $30, the other bid $31. I sent a "Make A Personal Offer" to the runner-up.
Make A Personal Offer lets the runner-up bidder to buy the item at his high bid ($30 in this case). This is allowed by eBay's rules. I am not allowed, however, to simply email the high bidder to let him know that he can buy another one for $6.98.
Suggestions? Should I violate eBay's rules to make a sale and help the bidder out? Should I take his $30, knowing he may be pissed to find out I've got other auctions running at $6.98? Should I wait until he bids $30, then sell it to him at the minimum? What would you do?
posted on August 29, 2002 12:48:58 AM new
I would take his money. Perhaps he won't even notice the other auctions? If so, tell him that you started it at $6.98 and have no control over the bidding once it starts.
If he complains you could maybe offer him a good deal on some other software he may wish to have so it looks like an even better deal.
posted on August 30, 2002 02:12:57 PM new
Be creative. Send them an email stating you have more of the item to sell at the price of $6.98. Leave it at that. Your not offering to sell him one, but simply stating this for his own informational purposes. From your perspective: perhaps he will watch your auctions in the future and place a bid.
If he emails you after this and offers to buy one, go for it. Ebay does not have jurisdiction over your constitutional rights. You still have the right to Quid Pro Quo if a person emails you an offer. The TOS simply says you cannot attempt to enter into sales through the 'ask Ebayer a question' feature, avoiding Ebay selling fees.
For example: Dear mr.bidder. I noticed you lost the bidding on itemx. I have a few more of these I plan to sell for $6.98 plus shipping. If you have any questions about this item, feel free to contact me through email: [email protected]
Happy Ebaying,
-me
No where in that example does it offer to sell something, but rather informs the person of your plan to sell an item. I don't know if this fits your ethical standards, but I have made extra sales from people responding with offers to buy. Never had any problems doing this.
posted on August 31, 2002 12:52:23 PM newEbay does not have jurisdiction over your constitutional rights.
eBay makes the rules at their own site, and contacting your underbidders, even to "let them know" is a suspendable violation. I doubt the Supreme Court would take this one up.
BTW, I did send MAPO and the same bidder bid in one of my other auctions for $6.98 so everything worked out okay; except the first bidder bid way more than he had to. We'll see if he sends the funds or no.
posted on August 31, 2002 04:03:40 PM new
It's like saying, should I sell it to the highest bidder at the price he won or tell him I have it at lower prices?
Yea, that's what bidding is all about, if not we'd just have fixed prices and be done with it. There's nothing unethical about offering a price, if he doesn't want it at the price he can negotiate lower, negotating has been around for centuries and is common in countries around the world.
posted on August 31, 2002 06:45:59 PM new
Of course, that's a good way to look at it. I just found out my earlier post was incorrect. The one that sold for the minimum was a different one. Yes, the guy did come back and BIN the $6.98 item for $30. Woo-hoo! Uh, I mean, too bad. Happy dance! But seriously, I don't have a problem with it, but I do know the bidder will be PISSED OFF if he finds out I sell them regularly for $23 less than what he paid. Anyhoo, that's why it's an auction, yeah right.
