At the end of the day though price wasn't fair for the seller (not even close to market as some of you know) - we're quite vocal here about buyers getting a fair shake but how about sellers (and many of us wear both hats)?

 

We call it Warehouse "Mac"

 

Regardless, Hoi's scenario is probably correct. I have had sellers do that to me and openly admit that they got a better offer.

 

Well, sellers need to do their due diligence also.

 

Just got me thinking that's all since we see a lot of outrage here (and rightfully so) when a newbie pays say $2000 for a watch that is really worth $300 but when someone mistakenly sells an item for much lower than market, it's kudos for the buyer but no sympathy for the seller? I suppose Hoi's point is well taken - depends on which hat you are wearing!

 

I am not in disagreement with your premise, just saying the scenario happens more frequently then people realize and the seller is not completely innocent when they lie to cancel the sale.

 

For Kyle's peace of mind folks

 

And therein lies the point. If you play on eBay, you need to know the rules there and do your homework before posting the listing. I don't think he would have been able to go to Antiquorum or any of the other major auction houses and pull a stunt like that.

While this watch was priced way too low, the seller is certainly entitled to every nickel they can get for it. IMO, their error was listing it on eBay first, then cancelling the sale after their offer was accepted.

I think if Kyle wanted to take the seller to small claims court, he'd probably have a case. However, since he would be dealing in multiple states over a relatively small amount it would likely be way too difficult.

Maybe Judge Judy would take the case!
gatorcpa

 

True but by the same token if a buyer doesn't do his due diligence and get's screwed we give them advice on how they might return the item and get their money back instead of just dismissing them saying they were foolish not to do their research. My point here being that we are more forgiving and sympathetic towards mistakes by buyers but appear to be unforgiving towards mistakes by sellers - experienced dealers I have no sympathy for but there are some sellers who say have a family heirloom who may be relative newcomers to ebay and ask for much less in a BIN listing than what the item is worth and then get less for say grandpa's old watch. I think they should merit at least a similar amount of sympathy.

Gator's points are well taken as well but eBay's own rules allow for a catch all reason to open a case to cancel a finished sale - wrong price listed. I can't tell you how many $0.99 BIN listings for watches and movements I've won and had them subsequently cancelled. And true - certainly not worth my time and effort to litigate it!

 

Thought the discussion deserved its own thread.