Avoiding duplicate listing by ending auction early?

Rhymsta

Let's say I have an auction running which reaches a price which I am sure will not be bettered. It is day 4 of a 10 day auction. At present, as I have more of these items to sell, I would start off another auction. I think we have established that if this item isn't 'hard to find' or 'very valuable' that this is against ebay's duplicate listing policy. So, I know that I can end an auction early and sell to the highest bidder thus letting me start off another identical auction without breaking any rules. However, what I would like to know is if I do this does the highest bidder have to accept the sale?
It could be that they got auction fever and bid higher than they'd intended, or they've seen the item cheaper elsewhere, but if the auction ran to the end there would be a chance of someone outbidding them.

techspec

Firstly - you are allowed duplicate AUCTIONS. Its only buy it nows that cannot be the same.

2nd - why not let it end and offer any high bidders a 2nd chance offer?

3rd - if you want to end it and make the current bidder the winner, its fine - i do it when i'm short of cash ;-) But bare in mind the bidder will not be expecting it to end so soon - so still allow the extra time to pay. And if they say they did want to change their mind, do not make a fuss, and allow them to pull out. But every time i have ended early i have had no problems and the buyers have been quite happy not to wait.

Rhymsta

techspec wrote: »

Firstly - you are allowed duplicate AUCTIONS. Its only buy it nows that cannot be the same.

2nd - why not let it end and offer any high bidders a 2nd chance .

It depends where you look on eBay:

Yes it says that the fixed price duplicate listing policy doesn't apply to auction style listings but it says that if they have a Buy it Now option they are treated as Fixed Price Auctions.

There must also be a Duplicate Listing Policy for auctions because when you follow the link from the message sellers have been sent you read this:

The following types of listings, if they are for identical items, will be considered duplicate listings even though the listing format or details may vary:
Auction-style listings for identical items even if they have different ending times, start prices, or reserve prices.
An auction-style listing with the Buy it now option and an auction-style listing without the Buy it now option for identical items.


Regarding second chance offers - I find that if someone bids high the other bidders lose interest and have moved on to another auction anyway by the time the auction ends.