asked to name buy it now price?!

Tondella

Someone has just contacted me to ask me if i would name a buy it now price on an item i am selling which currently has no bids (although two watching). They have good feedback apart from one very harsh negative, where the guy said they were a con artist, although to be fair, the person leaving the negative did post a threat to do this to anyone who didn't pay up within three days of the auction ending, and so they might be a bit of a hot handle (edit: looks like there was some dispute over the quality of the recording they purchased).

Firstly, should I name a buy it now price, or is this some sort of scam (can't think how it might be). Secondly, how do i arrange for a buy it now price and will i incur any penalties, additional fees from ebay etc, to do so? They said they wanted to buy it now because they have a party they want to wear the item for next week.

Thanks for your help, don't know why i find ebay so mystifying ... I do have a PhD y'know :rolleyes:

Hintza

Personally I would agree to this. Think of a fair price and add 10%-15%. But ensure that you tick the immediate payment button and they pay by paypal. This will stop any auction wreckers taking your auction out early.

Hintza

You change your auction go into the revise my auction bit and scroll down to the price section open this up and add your BIN price then check the box just below it for immediate payment; confirm changes etc to finalise it all.

One other thing make sure you have the option for Special delivery and a price for that if they are wanting it fast!!

Thefunkygibbons

It is just a personal view, but I always let auctions run their course

I would not be surprised if the next question was, "Will you deal outside ebay?"

Unless, it is a highly specialised item, let ebay do its job and get a fair price for you

Tondella

thanks all for speedy response. I went to ebay help pages and I don't fulfil any of the eligibility criteria for a buy it now sale, ie low feedback (first time selling, only bought a few things in the past) and haven't set up DD (which takes upto 19 days) so I think I might have to disappoint.

UPDATE: got seven people viewing this item, even if no one has bid yet, so I'm expecting a flurry of activity over the weekend (rubs hands together)

Jellicle

Tondella wrote:

...UPDATE: got seven people viewing this item, even if no one has bid yet, so I'm expecting a flurry of activity over the weekend (rubs hands together)

- If someone contacts you and asks you to end the auction early it's usually because the item is likely to get you a good price in the auction. In this situation anyone who ends their auction early is working against their own interests.

windym_2

Why don't you do a search on similar items to see what they are selling for, that way you can really rub your hands together!

Alleycat

I've asked a seller if they would be willing to put a BIN before. I had some pyjama bottoms of my daughters that my mum had bought me nicked off my washing line and saw the exact same full set on Ebay and desperately needed them asap (she was due to visit and would have been mortified if she had found out some git had stolen them), so it could be that this person is really genuine!

I guess it depends on how much you want for your item really. I wouldn't automatically assume they were dodgy and if their feedback is okay then may be worth considering?

gizmoleeds

Check the person is not in Nigeria if the item is of value, and make sure they are willing to pay through a respectable payment method (e.g. paypal).

Contains_Mild_Peril

Personally, I wouldn't do this if there are other watchers, because I think it's a bit unfair on potential buyers, but that's just my own view. Some people do have genuine reasons to ask for BIN (e.g. they want the item for an imminent special occasion) other than hoping to get the item cheaper. If there are any similar items ending soon, I'd certainly watch them to see what prices they make.

weaver

ive ended an auction early on request for BIN, I had 2 identical items running at the time.
I checked completed auction prices and added a couple of pounds to highest one I found.
I came off better as the other item I sold didnt make the same price.

Its all about research, check the completed auctions, add a bit extra and if your happy go ahead.

Just a note re watchers - many could be people who are thinking of listing same item (I always watch afew items before listing mine to check prices) or people who are valuing an item they also have.

Ive also have 9 watches and no bids on a item- its really up to you if your happy with a price and seller is happy to pay that price Id go for it