Violation of Ebay rules................

dippenmanMember

There is such a temptation to say to a seller of that special collectible: "Is there a price you would accept for the item now and remove it from the auction?" Ebay is very explicit that such a direct offer to buy is a violation and warns that you no longer have the protection of Ebay's umbrella, etc. Of course the obvious reason is that Ebay will lose a fee. Ebay also goes to extremes to hide the seller's email address until after the auction......again to deter off-site dealings. Although I would never dream of doing such an onerous thing, has anyone had any repercusions from Ebay for such activity????? Have you ever heard of anyone being kicked off or suspended???? Thanks.

1/3/056:59 PM

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gardengnomeMember

I haven't heard personally, but I'm sure most sellers will ignore such an offer. A few might report it. Since the initial approach would have to be via eBay 'Question to seller' it would be a little risky.

I haven't done it for those reasons, not because I have any moral objections - business is business. I have made indirect 'offers' for unsold items though, under the guise of an enquiry as to whether the seller intends to re-list.

I am sure eBay would take some sort of interest - it hits 'em where it hurts!

GG

The Gods made Heavy Metal
and They saw that it was Good.

1/3/058:00 PM

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cartmanMember

I have done it. In the days before "buy it now", a buyer once contacted me with "I really want this item". I responded with "make me an offer". The offer was high enough, I canceled the auction (no other bidders, btw), received payment via PayPal, and shipped the item.

I have also contacted sellers of unsold items a couple of times, offering the minimum bid, and bought them directly. Of course, the seller didn't pay the final-value fee.

Unless someone snitches on you, your single transaction amongst the millions eBay has will never be detected.

1/4/056:04 AM

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alanf51Member

quote:
Originally posted by cartman:
I _have_ done it. In the days before "buy it now", a buyer once contacted me with "I really want this item". I responded with "make me an offer". The offer was high enough, I canceled the auction (no other bidders, btw), received payment via PayPal, and shipped the item.

I have also contacted sellers of unsold items a couple of times, offering the minimum bid, and bought them directly. Of course, the seller didn't pay the final-value fee.

Unless someone snitches on you, your single transaction amongst the millions eBay has will never be detected.

If there are no bidders can't you convert it to a buy it now and close it a fixed price - I have bought that way in the past.

A-

1/4/059:35 AM

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mrsmMember

"If there are no bidders can't you convert it to a buy it now and close it a fixed price - I have bought that way in the past."

Yes, you can do that and it is completely above board.

1/9/053:42 PM

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papaluluMember

quote:
Originally posted by Serenity:
"If there are no bidders can't you convert it to a buy it now and close it a fixed price - I have bought that way in the past."

Yes, you can do that and it is completely above board.

No point waiting for a late bid with a snipe then :^)

1/12/052:43 PM

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mrsmMember

Of course, you are thinking that the seller is willing to do that. Maybe yes..maybe no!

If it were my auction, I would not. I would rather wait it out as I know many times people bid at the last moment.