Question for the Board - RE: Ending an Auction Early on Ebay

wufdude

I'm selling some football tickets for a buddy of mine (2 season tickets) and I've already gotten bids up past the reserve. I had someone e-mail me and ask what price I'd take to end the auction early and sell to him. I initially had BIN of $1,000 and they are at $610 now. I'm really not sure how high they may get so I'm tempted to tell him $1,200. I know Ebay frowns on this however are there any real repercussions in terms of status and feedback to cancel all bids and end it early? Thanks-

mikeschmidt

It's a dicky thing to do - but if you are confident that you will get more money for it, and that Ebay will not find out - you're probably okay

larryallen73

Ethically- No you should not.
Financially- Maybe!?

I personally would not end it early as I think it's shady business practices.

A761506

The biggest problem with ending early is if the guy backs out and you've already cancelled the auction, you're screwed. On tickets, I would run the auction to completion, as they are obviously good tickets to a high demand event. Often times this works out better anyways.

wufdude

Thanks for the advice guys. I agree that it's a dicky thing to do and I generally wouldn't even consider it but these are a buddy's tickets so I thought I'd try to maximize his profits. I'm gonna let them run and see what happens.

bobwilley

I get asked this frequently.
My usual response is to add a BIN to the auction, or move it to my Store.

If there is a lot of activity (views, bids) or has met a Reserve (if there was a Minimum), then it needs to run the course.

I have a 1971 Cadillac running right now that I have been asked to do that with, close the auction and sell it.
I just told them to click the BIN and buy it. They can't because they are in Saudi Arabia (another big red flag).
So he is trying to get a buddy in the usa to buy it for him.
As long as I get guaranteed funds and he wants to click BIN (about $800 above KBB High Retail book value), then go for it.

Otherwise, I will let it ride out, as they are over 800 viewers on this auction already.
You need to be fair to everyone, a good balance (you, the person you are selling it for, the people that have looked at it already and may have it WATCHED, the bidders). Remember that the person that was bidding on the item that you piss off when you cancel his bids and close the auction, might be looking at something else of yours next week... Hmmmm....

Knuckles

The guy who would like you to end the auction can bid like everyone else. He probably just wants them for cheaper than what he know's they'll most likely go for... maybe..?

-Garret

jrdolan

So, bobwilley, what's the shipping on a 1971 Cadillac to Saudi Arabia?

And do you accept payment in Riyals?