MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should Pete bid for Carl's amp on eBay?

Former_MSE_Penelope · 12 April 2010 at 3:41PM

Here's this week's hypothetical situation for you to cogitate on:

Should Pete bid for Carl's amp on eBay?

Based on a true story. Cash-strapped Pete has been longing for a new guitar amp, when his mate Carl puts an old one on eBay with a £50 start price. New to eBay, Carl adds no photos & has a zero feedback rating, so buyers could be dubious. Similar second-hand amps have sold for c.£400, but no one's bid yet with one hour to go. Pete's tempted to put in a last minute bid to bag it for £50, but worries this is tight on his mate.

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scotsbob · 20 April 2010 at 10:49PM

So Mick gets it for £50 and then gives his mate another £200 when he collects it. No Ebay or Paypal fees on the £200 so everyone's a winner.

Gavin83 · 20 April 2010 at 11:03PM

I expected this question to be completely different.

I'd most likely buy it and then let them relist it with some help, although I'd offer to give them £200 which sounds reasonable to me. Up to them if they chose to except it though.

mesb210776 · 20 April 2010 at 11:07PM

to be fair, if he put it on ebay for £50, he must be willing to let it go for that. I would do it, it may also encourage someone else to bid too, but if not his mate's got £50 and he's got an amp.

poppy10_2 · 20 April 2010 at 11:15PM

Better £50 than nothing, surely? I don't see the 'dilemma' here.

hlcarroll · 20 April 2010 at 11:18PM

and surely he would rather it go to his mate for £50, than a total stranger who might also bid £50 in the last minute? I know who I would rather get a total bargain!

sorbet4a · 21 April 2010 at 1:12AM

Absolutely - Pete should buy Carl's amp. This auction is open to all bidders - the amp could easily be sold to a stranger who chances on it. If Pete has worries about the transaction he can approach Carl and maybe offer him a bit more, if he really feels the sale is unfair.

Choppit · 21 April 2010 at 1:23AM

Technically the thing to do would be to let the auction run its course without placing a bid. If the item didn't sell then a transaction can be carried out outside eBay. If Pete were to bid, this could be interpreted as a shill bid and potentially lead to suspension of one or both accounts.

pretzelnut · 21 April 2010 at 1:26AM

Anyone nowadays can use a free snipe that only adds a bid in the last few seconds, so as theres no bids yet, it aint over till it over, so although its at 350 now it could well easily jump in the last seconds.

But i agree, you should list it at a price your willing to accecpt, i list all things i dont want to sell cheaply on buy it nows, anything small that i just want rid of gets put on for 1p.

wonkey_donkey_2 · 21 April 2010 at 7:20AM

the dilema is that Carl is preying on his mates innocence and inexperience of ebay. if he was a proper mate he'd offer him a decent price off ebay and get him to pull the auction early.

Taking it for £50 off him is no way to treat a mate. i'm glad i don't have some of you lot for mates!

jamespir · 21 April 2010 at 7:54AM

i woudnt bid cause if you knew the apps worth more than thats mean id let it brun its course then help him re sell it better

MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should Pete bid for Carl's amp on eBay?

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