I've never encountered an eBay bidder like this before

Bayard1908 · March 27, 2009 7:42AM

Guy makes me counteroffers on a $600 coin, a $700 coin, and a $1500 coin. I accepted his counteroffers on the two lesser value coins and sent him a counteroffer on the $1500 coin.

The guy then accepts my counteroffer on the $1500 coin but says he now wants to cancel the sale of the $600 and $700 coins. Mind you, this all happened within the span of a few hours.

tjkillian · March 27, 2009 7:45AM

He must have had a limited budget and wants to maximize what he can buy. Not too strange, but just a little strange.

Coll3ctor · March 27, 2009 7:55AM

Better kiss his azz cause he might neg you

yellowkid · March 27, 2009 7:56AM

I go by the first rule of eBay, how's his feedback? Remember you're dealing with a coin collector....

devious · March 27, 2009 8:01AM

I would honor his request and do the appropriate 'request to cancel sales with high bidder' through ebay and just give him the higher dollar coin. I guess in the counteroffer he should had responded as such himself/herself though, but alas failed to or wasn't aware of the potential negative impact it would have on you as a seller.

Really becomes your call in what you want to do, but I like the idea of selling the higher priced coin to him and then canceling as per ebay to recoup your 'fees'

Best of luck!

Aaron

Maller · March 27, 2009 8:28AM

This reminds me of a few months ago when I accepted an offer on a piece of currency from an Ebay buyer then he wanted to pay about a 1/4 less than what he had offered. People forget that these are legal binding contracts they enter into and then want a better deal or out of the contract. I just canceled my dealings with my deadbeat but should of put a unpaid on him. My big heart got the best of me.

MisterBungle · March 27, 2009 8:35AM

"He must have had a limited budget and wants to maximize what he can buy."
-----
I agree.

That's what is sounds like to me.

~

TwoSides2aCoin · March 27, 2009 8:39AM

It's a retail outlet, where negotiations are encouraged by the "best offer" feature.
No problems. Re-fold the clothes and put them back on the shelf after you check your customer out at the register.

telephoto1 · March 27, 2009 8:40AM

<< This reminds me of a few months ago when I accepted an offer on a piece of currency from an Ebay buyer then he wanted to pay about a 1/4 less than what he had offered. People forget that these are legal binding contracts they enter into and then want a better deal or out of the contract. I just canceled my dealings with my deadbeat but should of put a unpaid on him. My big heart got the best of me. >>

Anything related to ebay is neither legal nor binding, not for a buyer anyway. Your TOS mean nothing. This is the new and improved ebay, folks. Bid, win, take a look, show it to everyone you know, shop it around, decide what kinda mood you're in, and either keep the item, return it and get your money back, or just keep it AND get your money back. It's all about the buyer.

dizzyfoxx · March 27, 2009 8:45AM

<< Better kiss his azz cause he might neg you

>>

So true, sad... but true.

droopyd · March 27, 2009 8:52AM

The problem is that there is no "meeting of the minds" to constitute an enforceable contract, eBay terms of service to the contrary.

Seller says: "Price is X or best offer."

Buyer says: "How about Y?"

Seller says: "Y is OK!"

But unless buyer responds with "OK, here's my money" then there is no deal.

The worst that can happen to Buyer is that he's booted from the 'bay. You could not go after him in court to compel performance with this non-consummated transaction.

Bayard1908 · March 27, 2009 9:00AM

<< The problem is that there is no "meeting of the minds" to constitute an enforceable contract, eBay terms of service to the contrary.

Seller says: "Price is X or best offer."

Buyer says: "How about Y?"

Seller says: "Y is OK!"

But unless buyer responds with "OK, here's my money" then there is no deal.

The worst that can happen to Buyer is that he's booted from the 'bay. You could not go after him in court to compel performance with this non-consummated transaction. >>

There is a contract. It has merely been breached via a lack of performance. I don't intend to sue in any event. I just think this guy's conduct is ridiculous. I'm concerned that he may try to get the coin for free via a Paypal scam.

GFourDriver · March 27, 2009 9:01AM

I really don't see anything wrong with his offer, like tjk said, maybe he has a monthly budget for coins and wanted the best he could for his money. Treat him right and I bet he will be back for the other two. jmho

cinman14 · March 27, 2009 9:07AM

<< Remember you're dealing with a coin collector.... >>

Silverstate · March 27, 2009 9:17AM

<< There is a contract. It has merely been breached via a lack of performance. I don't intend to sue in any event. I just think this guy's conduct is ridiculous. I'm concerned that he may try to get the coin for free via a Paypal scam. >>

The MOST important part of the deal is going to be sending it with a "Signature Confirmation"and insurance for the value of the coin(s), it is the best PAYPAL fighting insurance you will ever get for only $ 1.80 !!
The Insurance at least covers it during the mailing process, but If the guy gets it and says he didn't the only way to prove otherwise is the signature confirmation and if the wrong person DID sign for it, the POST OFFICE would be on the hook via the insurance.

BE SAFE!! It's a jungle out there!

Bayard1908 · March 27, 2009 9:34AM

<< 

<< There is a contract. It has merely been breached via a lack of performance. I don't intend to sue in any event. I just think this guy's conduct is ridiculous. I'm concerned that he may try to get the coin for free via a Paypal scam. >>

The MOST important part of the deal is going to be sending it with a "Signature Confirmation"and insurance for the value of the coin(s), it is the best PAYPAL fighting insurance you will ever get for only $ 1.80 !!
The Insurance at least covers it during the mailing process, but If the guy gets it and says he didn't the only way to prove otherwise is the signature confirmation and if the wrong person DID sign for it, the POST OFFICE would be on the hook via the insurance. >>

I'm worried about "significantly not as described" and getting a brick sent back to me.

kaz · March 27, 2009 9:45AM

I hope he doesn't send you a bunch of worn out coppers of "equal value."

rgCoinGuy · March 27, 2009 9:57AM

Hey Cinman, Be sure your buddy doesn't move to your left or there could be problems....

intence · March 27, 2009 9:59AM

probably had a set budget

WinPitcher · March 27, 2009 10:07AM

The only problem I see is did you lower the higher priced item because
he was also buying the other two?

You might not have gave a lower price (or as low) had he not accepted the terms on the other two.

If it was me I'd tell the guy, to pound sand if that was the case.

Or at the least I'd say 'lets start over'

Steve

TomB · March 27, 2009 10:07AM

It could be that the potential buyer was viewing the interaction more along the lines of a real time conversation at a show where one might ask for the best price on individual pieces without having the promise to buy once an offer was given. I realize this is contrary to what ebay tells folks when they make the offer, but it seems plausible.

Bayard1908 · March 27, 2009 10:21AM

<< The only problem I see is did you lower the higher priced item because
he was also buying the other two?

You might not have gave a lower price (or as low) had he not accepted the terms on the other two.

If it was me I'd tell the guy, to pound sand if that was the case.

Or at the least I'd say 'lets start over' >>

That's exactly what happened. If eBay and Paypal weren't involved, I would insist on rescinding all three sales or none.

Bayard1908 · March 27, 2009 10:23AM

<< It could be that the potential buyer was viewing the interaction more along the lines of a real time conversation at a show where one might ask for the best price on individual pieces without having the promise to buy once an offer was given. I realize this is contrary to what ebay tells folks when they make the offer, but it seems plausible. >>

I had already invoiced him for two coins before he pulled this nonsense.

ArizonaJack · March 27, 2009 10:33AM

This has happened to me as well......
Cater to the customer and smile while doing it. He will be back for more later.

ProofRainbowRoosevelt · March 27, 2009 10:53AM

<< I would honor his request and do the appropriate 'request to cancel sales with high bidder' through ebay and just give him the higher dollar coin. I guess in the counteroffer he should had responded as such himself/herself though, but alas failed to or wasn't aware of the potential negative impact it would have on you as a seller.

Really becomes your call in what you want to do, but I like the idea of selling the higher priced coin to him and then canceling as per ebay to recoup your 'fees'

Best of luck!

Aaron >>

Kinda sucks, but I agree. Get what you can.

I've never encountered an eBay bidder like this before

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