posted on June 16, 2003 02:48:04 PM new
What do I do with this high bidder who's not only changed her mind but already contacted the second-highest bidder who, she says, "really wants them."
I sold a set of Limoges-like salt and pepper shakers. Perhaps not exactly a set but exact decoration colors (flowers), height, shape, weight, etc., and in the description I said Grandma always used these two as a set.
Sent EOA to buyer. She asked am I sure they're a set. I said not sure but always were used as a set.
Today I get an email from her saying the second-highest bidder really wants them and I have permission to sell to that person. There's only $1 between the high bid and the next-high, so the money isn't important.
She took it upon herself to contact the second highest bidder! She has only 16 feedbacks but I'm amazed that she did that.
I don't mind selling them for $1 less, but do I ask for FVF back? If so, how, when I don't go through the process of contacting, filing NPB on her, waiting 10 days, etc. Or is this not worth pursuing? $39 high bid, now $38 to sell the shakers.
I'm a bit peeved but trying to take it all in stride.
posted on June 16, 2003 02:53:27 PM new
If I were you, I'd chalk it up to just another nut loose on the farm --- offer it through eBay as a Second Chance only if you can get your original high bidder to agree to a mutual cancellation of the transaction.
I wouldn't file for the FVF because you'll get paid from the 2nd bidder (if it goes through).
You're right -- this is a strange bird, that's for sure.
Wayne
Trying to Make a Difference - One Satisfied Customer at a Time....
posted on June 16, 2003 02:59:12 PM new
Do you know if she contacted the second-highest bidder or if the second-highest bidder contacted her? And have you heard from the second-highest bidder to confirm yet? Does Bidder No. 2 expect to pay $39 or $38?
The reason I ask is because I once won an auction for a makeup "starter kit" from a company that used to sell makeup door-to-door. It was a huge kit, and went for very little. Anyway, after the auction ended I got an email from the underbidder saying her daughter loved this brand and could no longer buy it, and asking if I would consider allowing her to buy the set.
I said sure, because I was feeling amenable. But I said the seller had to agree first. After a day or so I emailed the seller and asked if everything was kosher and she emailed me back, very confused because she thought the underbidder was trying to scam her. It was easy to resolve, though, and everyone walked away fairly happy. The seller and I exchanged positive feedback, which was probably technically deceptive because we didn't really have a transaction ... but it all worked out.
In this case, the underbidder might be willing to go the extra $1.
------------------- We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.
------------The Talmud
posted on June 16, 2003 03:58:04 PM new
Since they high bidder was already emailing the second bidder, you should tell her to have the second highest bidder email you. Then you don't have to use the second chance offer and just skip the FVF credit.
This way ebay has there fee and you get your money.
posted on June 16, 2003 09:09:54 PM new
Roadsmith, I took a look at the auction. The shakers are pretty. Bavarian. Handpainted. Here is a lesson for you. You should have listed the shakers separately, at two different times. The shakers are not a set. They are two different blanks with two different patterns, probably painted by two different people. Handpainted porcelain shakers sell for quite a bit, especially if you focus on the roses. Handpainted roses and violets are the top two sellers. I consigned a similar shaker to my local live antique auction gallery last year and it sold for $125. It was unmarked also, but I identified it as being Bavarian.
Also, if you spend more time describing your roses, you will get more bidders. Many buyers go to their favorite porcelain categories and type in "pink rose*" Not once did you say "pink" or that the ones on the left are American Beauty roses and the ones on the right are wild roses. The rose buyers don't go wading through all of the auctions with roses. They have to narrow their search criteria, so they type pink, Beauty, wild, etc to get the rose for which they are searching.
Any flower or pattern, always identify it as exactly as possible, giving a name to each flower in the pattern and the colors. If there are buds too, say there are buds.
My point is you would have gotten a lot more money if you listed one shaker, sold it, then a week later listed the second shaker. And if you had given more description to the flowers on each shaker.
posted on June 16, 2003 09:51:32 PM new
Hotcup: Thank you!!!!! What a good lesson. The first buyer says she'll buy these if the second one changes her mind about wanting them, and now I'm almost hoping I don't have to sell them to the first buyer, even, and get to list them separately as you suggested. You know, I'm usually more precise and thorough, even though my knowledge is limited, in my descriptions. But I was tired and just sort of slid by. A very good lesson to learn, and one I won't forget. I appreciate your help.
