Seller posted an ad of a certain model of watch. I placed a sniper bid at my top value for that model. I went out of town and returned today with alert I had won. Seller had posted a change in model number while I was gone to a cheaper model. Winning Sniper bid is dated today at close of auction.
??? looks like a very effective sniper trap on high value items. Any advice??

Flicker

Hmmm... Since AS placed your bid, you bid after the change was made.

Do we need a new feature for amended/changed auctions? Seems like a lot of busy work to be polling auctions constantly looking for a change. Don't have an answer for you. (Not even a poor one). Maybe someone else does?

But Welcome to the forum.

1. Tough it out - don't pay, take the negative and respond after his comment,explaining what happened.

2. Bluff it - write to the seller explaining what happened and saying that you are not going to buy because he altered the description after you had placed your snipe. Offer to pay his re-auction fees (cheaper than cancelling a negative) If it was an honest mistake, he will go with you. If it was a trickery, prepare all documentation proving your point send him/her copies and say you will report the matter to ebay. He may think its not worth the bother.

3. Let ebay deal with it. The major point is that his alteration will be dated and proves your case that the model number was altered. I wouldn't worry about being a sniper - most people can't sit at a computer all day and watch the end of an auction. He might have a weak case himself. Did he abide by ebay rules and give all those early bidders a chance to withdraw their bids? If he didn't, it proves your case that something dodgy was afoot

Flicker,
to our forum!

That is a tough deal! I believe I would email him and tell him that you had bid on the original item, not the changed one and do not want it as it is not the same quality. If he balks, I'd take him to safe harbor. Good Luck!