Ebay query

Bronnie

Erm. I'm worried I've got myself into a bit of a pickle with a listing due to end later today.

It was an item listed at 99p and originally belonged to someone else. I listed it in good faith, with a very bare description, explained it wasn't mine originally. It has surprised me as it has 17 watchers. It has just got a few low bids atm.

Questions I've had from ebayers last night about it lead me to realise that maybe the condition of the item is not as good as it needs to be for it to meet buyer expectations. ( I don't want to be too specific as I obviously don't want my ebay ID identified here, lets say comparable to selling a musical instrument that looks in good condition, then the buyer says it's actually slightly off key!)

Now I'm in a tizz in case it attracts a decentish price and the buyer says it's a load of rubbish.

What is the best way for damage limitation. I am a conscientious seller and my feedback is good. I wish I could just remove it, but it's too late for that now.

Any helpful advice p[lease

Crowqueen

You can cancel bids and remove it at any time before the item ends. That might be better than letting the item end with a known problem and then having to email the buyer, who may think you are trying to wriggle out of the sale because it didn't fetch the right price. That is the scenario you least want to encounter as it is often a definite negative plus a "non-performing seller report". Plus if it finishes at a low price, then you have to sell for that low price.

Other than that, if you decide to take the risk, then being helpful if there's a problem and accepting a return with good grace, plus offering return postage as a good-will gesture are the best ways to try and avoid bad feedback, as is responding to it if it happens gently and graciously accepting full responsibility for the issue. We all make mistakes - it's how you deal with them that often matters more to people.

Bronnie

Thanks you.
I did try to end the auction, but it seemed to say that I couldn't because there were only a few hours to run and it had bids. Will go and see if I can find out how to cancel bids. I would prefer to end the auction, than take a chance.

soolin

Just a tip, never sell for anyone else. It usually causes no end of issues.

Bronnie

Now I'm in a bit of a panic, as have cancelled both bids, no bids on item, but when I try to end the auction, I get this message

Your listing can't end early if there are bids on the item, the reserve price has been met, or the listing ends in 12 hours or less.

What to do please?

Bronnie

Anyone, please? (inserts panic smilie!)

Astec

Could you add detail to say 'item is faulty, do not bid'?

Alternitively (and as a complete last resort) get a friend to win and then do a mutual cancellation.

Bronnie

Astec wrote: »

Could you add detail to say 'item is faulty, do not bid'?

Alternitively (and as a complete last resort) get a friend to win and then do a mutual cancellation.

It won't let me add any further details to my listing now .

Cheers for your suggestions!

One watcher messaged me as to whether there was a problem with it because of the cancelled bids, so hopefully that might warn others off.

Astec

Reply to their query with 'THIS IS FAULTY' in huge letters and post the reply on the auction, should warn others off and even if someone wins the info will be on there if you need to back out.

Bronnie

That was a good idea.

The auction has now actually ended, 19 watchers but fortunately nobody else bid at the last minute, so lucky escape! Item will be going to charity shop, where it can be inspected before purchase!

A person whose bid you cancelled can't leave any neg feedback anywhere can they? I did message them as well to explain.

Thank you.

Crowqueen

No, no transaction has taken place therefore no feedback can be left.