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9 replies

When is an auction not an auction?

S supersqueakyMember
I came across something interesting the other day. I was looking for a specific item which is normally sold in lengths. I found two UK sellers offering the item, but both auctions didn't state how much was included for the price. They did both have text which implied that for stated prices you could have differing amounts.

I emailed both sellers to ask exactly how much of the item I would get if I won the auction. One seller didn't bother to reply, the other said that what you bid on the auction didn't really affect what you got because there wasn't really anything to buy - it was a sort of advert and if you wanted their product you would have to pay their standard fees after asking for a quote.

Several US sellers were offering the same item and saying things like " this auction is for three feet of *blah*" which was much more helpful!

My question is, does eBay allow auctions where there isn't really an auction? It seems odd to me.

I haven't included the description of the item, by the way, because I don't want to upset anyone!

SuperSqueaky
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B bjtMember
Hi Squeaky

I have seen eBay auctions for things that are actually just URL addresses - nothing more.

I think that one has to be really careful like you were and ask the seller if you're not sure what you're getting.

I think it is somewhat deceptive if it is not spelled out in the description that you are not actually getting the item they are advertising, but that you are getting a link to an item that you want.

Sheesh Roll Eyes Some people's children, I guess...
mrsmmrsmMember
Squeaky, I am sure there is a fine line that divides what can be done and deception. When you are ever in doubt, take the time to ask Ebay about the auction, including the auction number. Better safe than sorry and it is strickly confidential. I know a person that thought they were bidding on a new computer system, but got what was on the auction page, a box with a computer picture!

rsmiller40
Last edited {1}
S supersqueakyMember
I don't feel cross enough to report these folks - after all, I can choose to ignore them! I'll probably get what I want from the States and they'll just lose a sale because they weren't 100% straightforward.

I am also interested in the auctions you see so many of for "information" that will allow you to get free electronic goods - I'm streetwise enough to know that's too good to be true, but these people's feedback is full of "wonderful information, exactly what they described" sort of comments. Does anyone have any experience of this kind of stuff?

I am curious, but not curious enough to pay to find out what it is! Wink

SuperSqueaky
S samuraiblossomMember
The kind of information these people generally sell either goes to the buyer via an email or they send a CD disc that you load into the computer and it displays all the info...however, I heard some were scammed this way and simply got a blank disc or something...I hate these kinds of auctions. Sometimes you don't even know what you're getting. Eek

Another bizarre thing I have seen is when people list an auction and it says "I am desperately looking for the item stated in this auction's description!"...of course those types get pulled by eBay within a few hours.

*~samuraiblossom~*
G gordoMember
eBay almost never does anything about these strange (and possibly prohibited) auctions until someone complains.

If it looks bad enough, consider doing us all a favor and being that 'someone'.

This isn't really in the same category at all, but I've noticed an increasing number of auctions (usually by bulk sellers with feedback in the hundreds or thousands) which offer ONLY the "Buy Now" feature... you can't bid on the item, you can only buy it at the stated price (usually a slight discount of retail).

Not at all against the rules (apparently), and I'm sure eBay is happy so long as the sellers pay their fees, but it's really not an auction, is it?
mrsmmrsmMember
Sell item at online Auction
Allows bidding on your item(s). You may also add the Buy It Now option. Learn more



Sell at a Fixed Price
Allows buyers to purchase your item(s) at a price you set.
Learn more



Advertise your Real Estate
Allows advertising of property to generate multiple leads. Real estate sellers may also sell at an online Auction or Fixed Price. Learn more


As you can see, that is one of Ebay's choices. I do not use it when I sell, but it is offered.

J jlr43Member
I actually prefer to buy items at a fixed price or using the Buy It Now feature. I hate the suspense of wondering if I'm going to win or not, especially if the auction still has 6 days before it ends. I want instant gratification...lol. But if the Buy It Now price is a lot higher than the starting bid and it's more than I would ever pay, I'll just start the bidding (to knock out the buy it now option). Either that or I'll find another seller who's auctioning the item for less. Wink

I get a kick out of the ones who say "free shipping if you use Buy It Now." But the BIN price is a couple of bucks higher than the opening bid so of course it's not free shipping, it's just added into the price! I must admit, I'm guilty of that only because I really want to get rid of the item! Big Grin

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