| CBPIII | 19 Jun 2008 11:14 a.m. PST |
auction I had an auction end today and received a question from a bidder after the auction was over. This is the message I received from a disgruntled losing bidder: I understand as a seller you want to make money, but isn't it a little dishonest to keep uping the bid. I really wanted this book…I guess I do not meet your criteria of a buyer, so I guess I will look elsewhere. Thanks anyway. After counting to ten, this was my response: Dear <unnamed bidder>,
What you're suggesting is against eBay policy, AND my personal principles, and I've NEVER had shill bidders! There were 4 separate bidders, you were one of them. There was one person that bid 5 times, and you bid 4 times. I understand you're upset that you didn't win the auction, but the person who won only bid once, near the end of the auction. Most bidders choose the highest price they are willing to pay and bid that once. Some (like you and this other multiple bidder) get caught up in the heat of the auction and make many smaller bids. Although I like that, I had nothing to do with you or this other bidder and your struggle. I would like to hear back from you either an apology or a request to be added to my Blocked Bidders list. I only have time to deal with serious bidders with positive attitudes. Was I too harsh? Or are the bidders the worst* part of eBay? *Although every TMP bidder that I've had and recognized has been exemplary. |
 John the OFM  | 19 Jun 2008 11:20 a.m. PST |
You are dealing with what is technically called a "moron".
He lost a bid on an item which sold for $8, and he has the nerve to complain that he lost.
You have my permission to tell him that the OFM think he is a moron. Or she is. Whatever. Moron. |
aecurtis  | 19 Jun 2008 11:22 a.m. PST |
I take it this was the bidder with feedback of 9? I'd guess he or she doesn't understand about how bidding works. No, you weren't too harsh; you took the time to explain the dynamics of this auction. Allen |
| cfuzwuz | 19 Jun 2008 11:55 a.m. PST |
Anything you really want should be worth at least $10. USD |
| Topkick890 | 19 Jun 2008 12:09 p.m. PST |
Sounds like a tool. Tell him to bid his max instead of trying to nag a deal on the low side then if he doesn't win it is not anyone's fault. |
| nycjadie | 19 Jun 2008 12:13 p.m. PST |
Back in the early days of eBay, I had other buyers do some funny things. I used to bid on items that the seller didn't really understand what they were. I made some good deals that way. One buyer that I was often competing against would write to the sellers of auctions that I had won, and explained to them that I was a dishonest bidder. Since when was it dishonest to bid on items that the seller doesn't know what they are? That then created several seller's to cause problems for me. All this for unmarked pottery? Some people are crazy. |
| mweaver | 19 Jun 2008 1:10 p.m. PST |
"Some people are crazy." Oh, yes. CBPIII, I think your response was perfectly reasonable. |
| Evil Bobs Miniature Painting | 19 Jun 2008 1:28 p.m. PST |
I'd have told him if he would have bid one more time he would have owned it. As it were, soemone else must have wanted it more than him. I'd also ask him how he came about his supernatural mental powers that allows him to see who is actually bidding, then tell him to go invest heavily in the stock market since he has those powers so he can make more money to buy the things he wants on ebay. |
| Streitax | 19 Jun 2008 4:31 p.m. PST |
Forward his email address to the Nigerian Oil Minister has a 'hot prospect'. |
| Roderick Robertson | 19 Jun 2008 5:04 p.m. PST |
Sounds like he has trouble with the concept of "auction". Perhaps he lost out bidding for a Dictionary, too. |
| Mike G | 19 Jun 2008 6:21 p.m. PST |
I guess they should have bid nine dollars. |
| Whatisitgood4atwork | 19 Jun 2008 6:49 p.m. PST |
"I guess they should have bid nine dollars." A brilliant suggestion you devious rascal. But I suppose that piece of advanced thinking escaped them. |
| CBPIII | 19 Jun 2008 6:55 p.m. PST |
This person was actually the one with 39 feedback, but had mostly SOLD before. And I just received this: I must ask for the deepest of apologies. I read the screen wrong. I have only bid on something one other time and forgot that the sellers name not the person who bids is next to the number of bids column. I am so sorry for what I said and ask for your forgiveness. So, OFM, you are CORRECT, Sir. Mo-ron… |
| streetline | 20 Jun 2008 3:01 a.m. PST |
the sellers name not the person who bids is next to the number of bids So now it's the other bidders fault that the price kept going up. Mmmm. Good luck. |
| Alxbates | 20 Jun 2008 5:35 a.m. PST |
You're perfectly in line to say what you said, Clarke. I'd toss him out of my bar for ya. |
| mattblackgod | 20 Jun 2008 7:17 a.m. PST |
Sounds a reasonable response and given the persons reply – I have to agree with OFM. |
| Tommy20 | 20 Jun 2008 10:32 a.m. PST |
His first e-mail was ridiculous, but at least he owned up to his mistake and apologized. |
