To think I shouldn't be guilt tripped into selling my item so cheaply?

[DowntonNappy]

I've put an item/bundle on Ebay starting at 99p. However the item (it's a collection of things) cost me approx £150 in total when I bought it new.

I've already got a few watchers, and tonight have received ten messages asking me to put a 'buy it now price' on the auction. Some people are saying they'll give me £15 for it, as postage is £10, and they don't want to pay more than £25 in total.

I've explained that I believe the item will fetch at least £30, and that I don't think it's fair to expect me to deduct postage from this, as I won't be making profit on postage costs.

I also explained that because so many people have asked for a buy it now price, I don't think it's fair to do so now; it's best to leave it as an auction.

Anyhow. Most people responded quite politely. However, one man has become quite agressive, saying that's not how Ebay works. His son's birthday is on Monday and he would therefore like the item(s) bought and wrapped by then. He says that this item will be very special to and appreciated by his son, and is practically begging me to put a buy it now price of £15. I feel terrible, but I don't think it's fair to put this man before the other people who have enquired about the item.

AIBU leaving it as an auction, thus spoiling this man's son's birthday? (item is no longer available instore/discontinued). I feel like a heartless old moo.

[Floralnomad]

YANBU , he probably doesn't even have a son . Just ignore.

[monkeyfacegrace]

This man doesnt have a son. He knows the resale value and wants to make a profit.

Im an ebay powerseller so know what Im on about.

Just email and say thanks, but no thanks. Then ignore.

[OTheEldritchManateesOfMadness]

It's yours to sell. For all you know he could be spinning you a yarn about having a son. YANBU.

[EleanorBoobsfelt]

For all you know he could be guilt tripping you into selling it to him cheaply knowing he can sell it on for more.
Ignore him you can't fix everything and if he wants it so badly he can bid on it like everyone else and give it his kid for Xmas instead.

[Figgygal]

Ignore him he's an eBay arsehole it's full of them and putting me off selling!!

[squeakytoy]

Dont be bullied into accepting a lower price from someone who is most likely spinning a yarn anyway.

I have always found, when people email me asking to sell it for a certain price and end the auction, 99% of the time, the item sells for a lot more than the offer.

The one exception was something I was offered £600 for, and as it had a lot of watchers and was already on £300, I declined... it stayed at bloody £300... grrrr!!

[EleanorBoobsfelt]

Lots of xposts.

[DowntonNappy]

Thanks everyone. I feel quite embarassed now; I'd not even considered the possibility he was lying!

I've sent him another email, basically repeating what I'd already said. Nervously awaiting his reply...

[AnnaLiza]

Ignore and report to EBay if he carries on.
Even if it's true, his son 's birthday is not your responsibility. Plus of it was true, he would have offered you more.

[chirpchirp]

YANBU, if he replies again just ignore him.

[MyCarHasBrokenDownAgain]

Put him on your blocked bidders list too - don't want him winning, then trying to claim damaged on arrival etc to get a discount ...

[MyCarHasBrokenDownAgain]

More info here: pages.ebay.co.uk/help/sell/manage_bidders_ov.html

[LineRunner]

Block him from bidding, and block him from contacting you. Life's too short.

You're not running a business; you're trying to sell some nice things for a few quid on ebaY.

[PedanticPanda]

You're not ruining his sons birthday, you've never even met his son and have no responsibility to him. Keep it as auction and report his emails to eBay if he carries on.

[bestegg]

Do make sure you block him from bidding as soon as possible. if he is that much of an arse now, he will probably be an nightmare buyer.

[Viviennemary]

Just ignore. He sounds an absolute nuisance. I agree if he's being a pain now he will be ten times worse if he does actually buy the item.

[RyleDup]

God no, just ignore him. I doubt he has a son too. I remember putting some baby stuff on free cycle, and some bloke asked for it as his wife was due in a few weeks. Anyway he waited in the car and sent his wife to the door. She was so not pregnant and ready to give birth at all. I said good luck with the birth etc and she looked really puzzled. As husband had not bothered to mention his lie to her!
Don't feel guilty, just block him.

[chelseananny]

Don't feel guilty at all!

I would have written back 'do you know how ebay works. You bid on an item at auction.
Hope you get the 30 pounds I'm always nervous starting things at 99p that they will sell for a stupid amount (never stops me from starting ALL of my things at 99p though. lol

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

This is why I start all my auctions at the lowest price I will take, and then add a BIN price of 40% more. Then if someone really wants it they pay the BIN price, or someone holding out pays my minimum price at the end.

[McHappyPants2012]

i have only once emailed a seller, but the toy DS wanted was a very hard find. He politly said no and i ended up losing the bid :(

but thats how ebay works, i did manage to get one for him

[freddiefrog]

saying that's not how eBay works

What? Isn't that the actual point of eBay? You sell your unwanted stuff for as much ££ as you can get or have I been doing it wrong.

Just ignore it, he probably doesn't even have a son

[BrianButterfield]

"That's not how eBay works" - no, it's exactly how it works!

[PrettyPrinceofDarkness]

Agree with everyone else. The guy is a prize arsehole. Annoys the hell out of me when you're already providing good value and people ask for discounts.

[Housewifefromheaven]

I ignore any requests for buy it now. It states on my listings to not bother asking yet they still do. Bastards :o

[DowntonNappy]

Yey! It's gone from 99p to £30 in the space of five minutes. And there's still 5 days left on it.

Rude man has replied to notify me of this and wishes me the 'best of luck' and hopes it goes to a 'more deserving child'... Oh dear.