People asking for a 'buy it now price'

[CrockedPot]

I have been selling bits and pieces on eBay for a while now and have noticed more and more often that I am being asked to give a price on things I have just put in the auction. I am never sure how to respond...I don't want to be rude, but I feel like saying 'you know how eBay works, don't you?' Any ideas how I can politely tell them it's going to auction, without putting them off, or should I just think of an acceptable price? TIA.

I know you're not strictly supposed to but I ask this occasionally. Sometimes I want something for a birthday gift or something but there are 6 days left to run and the birthday's in 6 days for example. Sometimes I really really want something and I don't want to risk missing the end of the auction, in which case I expect to pay a bit of a premium to buy it now. Sellers either agree, say politely "sorry I'd prefer to let the auction run", or just don't reply.

Ive asked if its something I want sooner rather than waiting for the auction left to run. Sometimes they've added a buy it now price sometimes its been refused. Just politely refuse or add in your listing you don't offer the buy it now option

just reply and say you would prefer to let the auction run.

Thanks for replies! I am such a wimp!