21 Bid retractions in 6 months.......Any good reason for this?

Manorcourtman · July 5, 2008 6:24AM

Is there any legit reason for someone to have 21 bid retractions in the last 180 days? The bidder linked below cancelled a bid today on one of my auctions. Was he just fishing for the high bid before bidding or were there other motives for his actions?? Would you block a bidder like this??

eBay-Link

dizzyfoxx · July 5, 2008 6:27AM

The only "good" reason to have 21 bid retractions in 6 months would be if they could not for any reason complete the transaction. Perhaps a better idea would be to not bid in the first place.

PerryHall · July 5, 2008 6:27AM

Fishing for high bid or reserve. Or very fickle.

Dawg144 · July 5, 2008 6:29AM

IMO, there is never a good reason to retract a bid, except in the case of a x10 typo. The chance of this bidder making clerical errors this frequently is unlikely, and if he's (albeit temporarily) exposing your high bids, you should block him.

ILikeMercs · July 5, 2008 6:34AM

<< Would you block a bidder like this?? >>

yes, but you'll need to give us his name. o***7 don't cut it.

mrearlygold · July 5, 2008 6:42AM

<< Would you block a bidder like this??
[/L] >>

Yes

notwilight · July 5, 2008 6:43AM

Usually this is someone who doesn't think there is anything wrong with bid retractions. they think they're the only ones who have figured out that ebay lets you retract bids. I wouldn't block him. what harm does it do you? --Jerry

PawPaul · July 5, 2008 6:45AM

not only block him -but he should be banned from ebay .

Manorcourtman · July 5, 2008 6:47AM

Blocked. I'm not real comfortable posting his name here but will via PM if you also want to block him.

notwilight · July 5, 2008 7:05AM

<< not only block him -but he should be banned from ebay . >>

Still haven't figured out how you're harmed or are you just pissed off at a guy violating a rule. --jerry

OnlyGoldIsMoney · July 5, 2008 7:28AM

Was he just fishing for the high bid before bidding or were there other motives for his actions?? Would you block a bidder like this??

<< Text >>

Just fishing for the high bid or the reserve appears to explain these actions. When I am the seller I block such bidders as they are apt to be people I don't want to deal with.

Mark

BlindedByEgo · July 5, 2008 7:31AM

<< 

<< not only block him -but he should be banned from ebay . >>

Still haven't figured out how you're harmed or are you just pissed off at a guy violating a rule. --jerry >>

jerry, when any of us who sell on ebay come across a pos bidder like this, we all benefit from the info - personally harmed or not. what we do with the info is our own business.

mrpotatoheadd · July 5, 2008 7:49AM

Kind of odd how so many bidders who retract their bids because they "entered the wrong amout" never get around to rebidding the "right" amount.

aficionado · July 5, 2008 8:34AM

FROM EBAY: -

When you are the winning bidder, you are obligated to pay the high-bid price for the item. As a rule, retracting bids is not allowed on eBay.

Remember that all bids on eBay are binding, except:

Sales of real estate or businesses (see the Non-Binding Bid Policy)

Sales of items that are prohibited by law or by eBay's User Agreement

Exceptional Circumstances Only

There are, however, a few exceptional circumstances (described in the User Agreement) under which you may retract a bid. These are if:

You made a typographical error and accidentally entered the wrong bid amount. (Changing your mind is not considered a typographical error.) For instance, you bid $99.50 instead of $9.95. If this occurs, re-enter the correct bid amount immediately after you retract your bid. If you do not place another bid, the retraction will be in violation of eBay's policy and could result in your suspension. Please review the retraction guidelines if you need to retract your bid.

The description of an item you have bid on has changed significantly.

You can't reach the seller. This means that you tried calling the seller but the seller's phone number doesn't work, or you have tried emailing a message to the seller and it comes back undeliverable.

aficionado · July 5, 2008 8:35AM

MORE from EBAY:

A bid is a binding contract. All bids are active until the auction ends. If you win a listing, you’re obligated to complete the transaction. Except under special circumstances, bid retraction is not permitted. Furthermore, misuse of the bid retraction option to manipulate the bidding process is not permitted. This includes any manipulation of the bidding process to discover the maximum bid of the current high bidder or to uncover the reserve price.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

Listing cancellation

Limits on account privileges

Account suspension

Forfeit of eBay fees on canceled listings

Loss of PowerSeller status

TavernTreasures · July 5, 2008 9:53AM

Apparently some posters here feel this guy is no harm, but I wouldnt want a AH like him manipulating my auction.

notwilight · July 5, 2008 10:01AM

<< Apparently some posters here feel this guy is no harm, but I wouldnt want a AH like him manipulating my auction. >>

Speak to me directly, don't talk about me. Tell me how he manipulates your auction. He can bid or he cannot bid. He can withdraw a bid which is functionally like he didn't bid. He can't influence other bidders. How is this incorrect? I'm not saying what is is doing is correct but I want you to tell me why I should worry about it rather than just assume I should because you find him irritating. I'm not trying to be difficult but i tend to dissociate emotion from the facts and I don't see how he does anything but irritate you. --Jerry

Manorcourtman · July 5, 2008 10:01AM

So he/she is blocked and I get this message......"hi i was biding on 2 of your auction and now its telling me i cant bid any more so i was just wondering what happened thanks." So he/she was going to do it on another one of my auctions!!! I replied....."Bid retractions are not cool and against eBay policy, SORRY!!"

notwilight · July 5, 2008 10:04AM

<< So he/she is blocked and I get this message......"hi i was biding on 2 of your auction and now its telling me i cant bid any more so i was just wondering what happened thanks." So he/she was going to do it on another one of my auctions!!! I replied....."Bid retractions are not cool and against eBay policy, SORRY!!" >>

Make sure you post their reply. This may be fun. I'm not opposed to fun. --Jerry

TavernTreasures · July 5, 2008 10:10AM

He is not only screwing around with a sellers auction. He has screwed with the other bidders bids by bringing them up to their max. While he is high bidder (depending on how long he keeps his bid in place) and has brought the price to a max, he may have discouraged other potential bidders from considering this auction. etc. etc. etc.

Shamika · July 5, 2008 10:23AM

In 10 years of being an eBay member (yes, 10 years), I've only retracted 1 bid due to a typo. 21 retractions is uncalled for.

notwilight · July 5, 2008 10:25AM

<< He is not only screwing around with a sellers auction. He has screwed with the other bidders bids by bringing them up to their max. While he is high bidder (depending on how long he keeps his bid in place) and has brought the price to a max, he may have discouraged other potential bidders from considering this auction. etc. etc. etc. >>

Ok. I can see how other bidders might pass if he leaves his high bid in there and retracts at the last minute. Although it sounds like this may be a matter of seconds in this case, that is a point. --Jerry

mrpotatoheadd · July 5, 2008 10:27AM

<< Tell me how he manipulates your auction. He can bid or he cannot bid. He can withdraw a bid which is functionally like he didn't bid. He can't influence other bidders. How is this incorrect? >>

I had a bidder last year who retracted his bid after pushing the underbidder up to his max. The underbidder then retracted his bid because he thought there was "something fishy" (his comment, in an email message to me) going on.

edited to add... when a bidder retracts a bid in one of my auctions and doesn't re-bid, I email and ask him what's going on. If I don't get a satisfactory reply, that bidder gets blocked.

OnlyGoldIsMoney · July 5, 2008 10:33AM

<< So he/she is blocked and I get this message......"hi i was biding on 2 of your auction and now its telling me i cant bid any more so i was just wondering what happened thanks." So he/she was going to do it on another one of my auctions!!! I replied....."Bid retractions are not cool and against eBay policy, SORRY!!" >>

Nicely stated Manorcourtman! This bidder may learn that actions have consequences.

Mark

Shamika · July 5, 2008 10:46AM

<< 

<< Tell me how he manipulates your auction. He can bid or he cannot bid. He can withdraw a bid which is functionally like he didn't bid. He can't influence other bidders. How is this incorrect? >>

I had a bidder last year who retracted his bid after pushing the underbidder up to his max. The underbidder then retracted his bid because he thought there was "something fishy" (his comment, in an email message to me) going on. >>

I would of thought the same thing. Without knowing what's really going on, it looks like a shill to the winning bidder.

SaorAlba · July 5, 2008 11:04AM

Bid retractions on an auction could be construed by other bidders as there being a problem with the auction item, which could concern them and they may then want to retract their bid.

I have retracted bids a couple of times in the past, after finding out from sellers that the item they were selling had some issue that had not been previously disclosed in the auction. In my cases the sellers contacted all bidders and let them know what was up and afforded the opportunity to retract their bids or keep them if they still wanted whatever item.

If I noticed this guys' bids on my auctions, I would cancel his bids and block him too. He is playing a game, not making mistakes.

coindeuce · July 5, 2008 11:45AM

Why not pose the question to eBay live support? Let them decide what the member's action represents.

Coll3ctor · July 5, 2008 11:52AM

A few years back I had 2 or 3 bid retractions and got suspended for like 60 or 90 days

How the hell did this guy get so many

cinman14 · July 5, 2008 1:20PM

When I first started out I had more than I should have. I didn't fully look at the PCGS price guide and follow the
line over to the correct grade. I also fell into the trap of the SGS and NGC sellers using PCGS price guides for their
auctions. Only here did I learn that you cannot compare SGS and NGC slabs to the PCGS price guide.

I guess I didn't feel to bad because I looked at it as the seller was manipulating the value to newbies.

I was always still way under my max bid when I retracted my bid. So in my opinion I wasn't hurting anyone.
I did win alot of them for under my new max bid and I lost a few also. But I never retracted a high bid.

And just like Gary when I hit like 6 in a 2 month period I got a warning from Ebay to stop or be suspended.

At about the same time I started using the BST board and rarely use Ebay now...

garsmith · July 5, 2008 1:54PM

I've been on eBay for like 10 years now and in that time I have only retracted 2 bids; one was because the item description did not match the coin pictured and the other was because I hit an extra zero in my max bid. With that one I reentered my bid correctly and ended up winning anyways.

21 in 6 months is way past excesive

GFourDriver · July 5, 2008 1:59PM

You can even go better than just blocking him.... you can report him for improper bid retraction.

SirAnthonyAC · July 5, 2008 2:57PM

"Blocked?!?"... "Banned?!?"... that's too good for him, I say hang him from a yardarm then drawn & quartered!

Sorry, I partied a wee bit too much on the 4th.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, deep breath, count backwards from 10...

TwoSides2aCoin · July 5, 2008 10:44PM

Where are you men's sense of compassion and understanding ?
This person has PBRS and just needs a hug.

Post Bidding Remorse Syndrome.

Edit because change happens.

BAJJERFAN · July 5, 2008 10:57PM

He ought to change his eBay handle to remorsefulrobert or retractionrobot or some such thang.

notwilight · July 5, 2008 10:58PM

<< Where are you men's sense of compassion and understanding ? This person has PBRS and just needs a hug. Post Bidding Remorse Syndrome. Edit because change happens. >>

If you're talking about my comments, then you didn't read them closely. I have not at all tried to say what he is doing is ok. I just don't get upset unless I'm harmed. I say the most likely explanation is that he is clueless.

I agree that ebay bidders can easily be spooked off and perhaps a retracted bid has more implications that I envisioned, especially late in an auction with multiple bidders. The only retracted bids I've ever had (that I remember) were on auctions where the retraced bid was the only bidder. Although I wouldn't as a bidder worry about it if a guy retracted a bid above me, I can see how many bidders would. I try hard not to spook off ebay bidders that can sometime be as easy to scare off as a deer in an open field just after hunting season.

It seems some people mistook my asking how you are harmed as approval of his actions. --Jerry

TwoSides2aCoin · July 5, 2008 11:03PM

Actually Jerry, my post was based off of the thread title ONLY. I believe most of us realize what is excessive or obsessive or compulsive.

I'll have to read through everything to see what you are talking about.

Edit to add:
I just made that disease up !

ziggy29 · July 5, 2008 11:44PM

Here's an example about how a seller is hurt materially by retractions:

* Bidder 1 enters a bid of $50.

* Bidder 2 comes in with a max of $200. Now the high bid shows up as $51.

* Bidder 3 then increases that to something over $200. The high bid soars from $51 to $202.50.

Let's say the item was worth (say) $150. The $202.50 high bid keeps other potential bidders away. Anyone thinking of sniping this one stops considering it, and won't bother automating a snipe if they use a program because it's already above what they were willing to pay.

Shortly before the auction ends, Bidder 3 retracts. And before anyone else can see it, the auction ends and bidder 2 gets the item for $51.

I'd definitely say the seller was screwed here. And it could certainly look as it B2 and B3 were in cahoots.

TwoSides2aCoin · July 5, 2008 11:51PM

<< Here's an example about how a seller is hurt materially by retractions:

* Bidder 1 enters a bid of $50.

* Bidder 2 comes in with a max of $200. Now the high bid shows up as $51.

* Bidder 3 then increases that to something over $200. The high bid soars from $51 to $202.50.

Let's say the item was worth (say) $150. The $202.50 high bid keeps other potential bidders away. Anyone thinking of sniping this one stops considering it, and won't bother automating a snipe if they use a program because it's already above what they were willing to pay.

Shortly before the auction ends, Bidder 3 retracts. And before anyone else can see it, the auction ends and bidder 2 gets the item for $51.

I'd definitely say the seller was screwed here. And it could certainly look as it B2 and B3 were in cahoots. >>

Ooooh, I'm glad we have the boards. Great perspective !

cinman14 · July 5, 2008 11:57PM

My thoughts exactly Ziggy I just didn't want to take the time to hen peck my theory...

notwilight · July 6, 2008 12:05AM

<< quote of bidding scam scheme deleted. >>

Yes, that would be an actual and purposeful scam. Ouch. This guy was described as fishing for the high bid and then retracting immediately. --Jerry

notwilight · July 6, 2008 12:07AM

<< Ooooh, I'm glad we have the boards. Great perspective ! >>

I almost think this post (the one yo are talking about) should be deleted so as not to give the scammers ideas...what think you guys?

TwoSides2aCoin · July 6, 2008 12:37AM

<< 

<< Ooooh, I'm glad we have the boards. Great perspective ! >>

I almost think this post (the one yo are talking about) should be deleted so as not to give the scammers ideas...what think you guys? >>

I agree there, too but thankfully we have those who see and think deeper and realize that is probably what goes on behind the scenes anyway. Shill bidding is alive and well, too.

I just don't have accomplices in the game.

Manorcourtman · July 6, 2008 12:47AM

<< 

<< So he/she is blocked and I get this message......"hi i was biding on 2 of your auction and now its telling me i cant bid any more so i was just wondering what happened thanks." So he/she was going to do it on another one of my auctions!!! I replied....."Bid retractions are not cool and against eBay policy, SORRY!!" >>

Make sure you post their reply. This may be fun. I'm not opposed to fun. --Jerry >>

Just got a reply.....it is comical! Will post around noon when I get home, the perp is not happy with me!!

BXBOY143 · July 6, 2008 12:54AM

BID=BUY

IF YOU DONT WANNA BUY THEN DONT BID!!!!!

BEST REGARDS

-PAUL

notwilight · July 6, 2008 12:56AM

<< 

<< 

<< Ooooh, I'm glad we have the boards. Great perspective ! >>

I almost think this post (the one yo are talking about) should be deleted so as not to give the scammers ideas...what think you guys? >>

I agree there, too but thankfully we have those who see and think deeper and realize that is probably what goes on behind the scenes anyway. Shill bidding is alive and well, too. I just don't have accomplices in the game. >>

I don't think shill bidding and scamming are nearly as prevalent as others here do but we don't need to be training scammers either. I'll delete my quote of the scheme. --jerry

MFH · July 6, 2008 1:05AM

I would have blocked this bidder as well. No questions asked.

...looking forward to your next update.

cinman14 · July 6, 2008 1:25AM

<< Here's an example about how a seller is hurt materially by retractions:

* Bidder 1 enters a bid of $50.

* Bidder 2 comes in with a max of $200. Now the high bid shows up as $51.

* Bidder 3 then increases that to something over $200. The high bid soars from $51 to $202.50.

Let's say the item was worth (say) $150. The $202.50 high bid keeps other potential bidders away. Anyone thinking of sniping this one stops considering it, and won't bother automating a snipe if they use a program because it's already above what they were willing to pay.

Shortly before the auction ends, Bidder 3 retracts. And before anyone else can see it, the auction ends and bidder 2 gets the item for $51.

I'd definitely say the seller was screwed here. And it could certainly look as it B2 and B3 were in cahoots. >>

from ebay--When you retract a bid within the last 12 hours of the listing: You will eliminate only the most recent bid you placed. Bids you placed prior to the last 12 hours will not be retracted.

sounds like Bidder # 3 would still win the item. Or at the least Bidder # 2 would win it for 200 dollars..

garsmith · July 6, 2008 1:26AM

<< 21 Bid retractions in 6 months.......Any good reason for this? >>

YES, MENTAL RETARDATION

BY THE WAY IF YOU LOOK NOW YOU WILL SEE HIS COUNT IS UP TO 22 NOW

garsmith · July 6, 2008 1:36AM

<< "Blocked?!?"... "Banned?!?"... that's too good for him, I say hang him from a yardarm then drawn & quartered!

Sorry, I partied a wee bit too much on the 4th.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, deep breath, count backwards from 10...

>>

Have you been watching Pirates of the Caribean?

coindeuce · July 6, 2008 1:41AM

<< 

<< Here's an example about how a seller is hurt materially by retractions:

* Bidder 1 enters a bid of $50.

* Bidder 2 comes in with a max of $200. Now the high bid shows up as $51.

* Bidder 3 then increases that to something over $200. The high bid soars from $51 to $202.50.

Let's say the item was worth (say) $150. The $202.50 high bid keeps other potential bidders away. Anyone thinking of sniping this one stops considering it, and won't bother automating a snipe if they use a program because it's already above what they were willing to pay.

Shortly before the auction ends, Bidder 3 retracts. And before anyone else can see it, the auction ends and bidder 2 gets the item for $51.

I'd definitely say the seller was screwed here. And it could certainly look as it B2 and B3 were in cahoots. >>

Ooooh, I'm glad we have the boards. Great perspective ! >>

The above scenario cannot happen unless Bidder #3 retracts the bid more than 12 hours before the scheduled end of the listing. eBay built that safeguard into their system quite a while ago to prevent bid manipulation. The only way for a bid to be removed with less than 12 hours left in the listing is by eBay administratively, or by request of the bidder to the seller for a cancellation.

mrpotatoheadd · July 6, 2008 1:51AM

<< The above scenario cannot happen... >>

Even if that exact scenario cannot happen, the seller can still be potentially harmed by a bid retraction with just over 12 hours left in the listing. Suppose the high bid sat at $202.50 for five days- potential snipers who found the listing doing a search during that time would have considered it overpriced. None of them who use automated sniping tools would have scheduled a bid, where otherwise, they might have. And it's likely they'll not go back and check the listing again in the last 12 hours, even though the high bid has dropped due to the retraction.

21 Bid retractions in 6 months.......Any good reason for this?

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