Can I withdraw my item when it has a bid on?

[Olympiathequeen]

I've read the eBay bit on this already, but it's a bit more complicated

Recently advertised a very expensive camera on eBay for collection only as I would like them to inspect and pay cash. Also not keen to entrust delicate equipment to the post.

2 weeks and no takers so I advertise with postal fees.

Messaged to say someone local can pay cash and can they buy!

I would prefer collection and inspection and then there is no risk of crap issues (been there).

Reading the rules I can withdraw only if the highest bidder agrees so should I ask this man (privately) to become the highest bidder and agree to my withdrawal, and then sell privately?

Not in the spirit I know, but I avoid £20 fees which I think are bloody excessive.

You can. I think you just have to fill out an online form and say the item is no longer available.

Do I ask this person to become the highest bidder then? I don't feel comfortable lying to the person who currently has the highest bid.

Yes you can cancel the auction as long as there isn't less than 24 hours left to run.

It had over a week to run. The 'buyer' left me his phone number and I called it and he put bids on both so was the highest bidder. Talked me through cancelling bids and withdrawing both items. eBay said it might charge (eek) the final value fee but I'll wait and see. Buyer is giving me a fair price and what it probably would have go in the auction.

So fingers x and thanks for your help

You don't need the bidders agreement? As I said you can cancel the whole auction without any fuss, as long as there is more than 24 hours less on the auction run time.