E-bay query- cash offered to end auction

luckypierre
luckypierre Posts: 76
edited January 2008 in The Crudcatcher
Guys (and gals),

I am selling my bike on ebay (which is a first for me) and somebody has e-mailed the question asking if I would accept cash to end the auction. As I am pretty new to all this electronic trickery, what do you think there motives are?

Is this some way to get the bike for cheap or is it a recognised activity? I understand that there are dodgy folk out there and don't want to fall foul of them. I am hoping for your advice before I respond to him or her.

Cheers in advance.

By the way what recommendations do you have for my new steed was thinking of the Avalanche Expert but haven't test rode one yet and am just scouting at the moment.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    is it a fair offer for the bike? Or do you think you will get more?

    If you have not put a buy it now price can you end the auction early?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • luckypierre
    luckypierre Posts: 76
    They didn't specify a price to be honest which was what made be suspicious. (that and my inbuilt cynicism) I never put in a buy it now price because I want to get a good price and so have set a fairly high reserve. This is because I do love my bike and am reluctant to sell it, but I don't get the best ride from it. Nothing against the bike but it just doesn't suit me too well. Proably my lack of skill rather than any componenty shortcomings.
  • peanut
    peanut Posts: 1,373
    you have three choices.
    You can end the auction early and sell to him direct for an agreed price. This is safe enough for sellers as you can make sure you get the cleared funds before parting with the goods.You will also save yourself up to £10 ebays fees
    Or you could end the auction early then re-list the bike at a `Buy it now' price ( the price you wish to sell for or whatever price you have agreed with the other party.) That way you can still sell to him through ebay and if the other guy doesn't send the money your bike is still up for sale.

    Or just let the auction run and see what the final bid is . This is a bit risky because it may not reach the price you want to sell at and you could end up selling too cheaply.Alternatively it is is a popular item it could start a bidding frnzy but be aware serous bidders only bid in the final 10-20 seconds and aim to get it cheap by `snipe bidding' You cannot end your sale early, once it has gone into the final 12 hours so it could be a bit nerve wracking.
  • Chaka Ping
    Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    If there are no bids yet, you might be able to add a "buy it now" price? I can't remember, but worth chekcing.

    You might also want to ask the guy what kind of offer he had in mind?
  • xcracer
    xcracer Posts: 298
    I went to look at a bike that was on Ebay last week. As I was there and didn't fancy going back again I asked the guy how much he wanted to let me take it away. We agreed a price and I paid cash, just like you would if it was sold through a small add in the paper.

    I don't see any harm in it as long as you are happy with the price offered and you get the cash. I would guess that Ebay don't want sales conducted in this way as they loose out on the fees because the money is not going through Paypal.
  • smitty
    smitty Posts: 125
    sounds like there trying to sus you out as to wether you would end the auction early if your happy to do that ask them to make you an offer if its below what you want for it tell them no if ya happy with it jobs a gud un

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