Seller refunded me and re-listed item - can they do this?

[stringbean]

Bought an item on eBay this week; received an email the following day from the seller saying the reserve they put on the item didn't register at the end of the auction, so she was re-funding me and has re-listed the item with a reserve. Can a seller do this?? It seems she's just trying to get a better price. I've emailed her and she says she's within her rights to cancel and refund if she wants? Feel really about this! Is there anything I can do? Reluctant to leave her negative feedback in case she then does the same to me (I paid immediately the auction ended so nothing to quibble about) but it seems so dishonest!

Sellers cannot leave buyers negative feedback. If she does eBay will remove it. I would report her to eBay and leave negative feedback personally.

If she is genuine and the reserve didn’t work then I don’t think it’s fair to leave negative feedback. eBay can be glitchy and for the reserve not to work means she wouldn’t have got the price she was hoping for.
Of course it could be a load of bull but I’d give the benefit of the doubt

What was the price difference between what you paid and what's she's relished it for?

If she had put a reserve on the item then when you put your bid on it should have said reserve not met. If she listed it without a reserve then that would be her fault and she should have stuck to the original listing .

I think she is probably trying to pull a fast one, but is it worth challenging her on it? Probably not. I would watch the item and hope she didn't sell it. If you were the only bidder then chances are she won't. Don't fret, the joy of eBay is there is always another one.....

Yes they can do it, but you can also contact eBay and report them as a non performing seller (and leave negative feedback).

Well I think she was rude not to offer it to you at the reserve price. I’d leave neg feedback.

And if she forgot to put the reserve on the first time it’s her fault.

Many thanks for your replies. I contacted the seller and expressed my disappointment that she had not played by the rules. She took down the item after re-listing it and has agreed to sell it to me for the original price i paid. Just trying to sort that out now but it doesn't seem very straightforward.

Had this happen to me, an expensive large item I won for a reasonable price. Seller immediately cancelled the sale. I made sure to leave negative feedback. Still mad about it.

Seller can send you an invoice via Paypal so that YOU get buyer protection. They can see your email address, to send the invoice, by logging into their paypal account.

Thanks Trout - I'll try that.

Whatsthisbear, yes, i know how you feel! It was a good quality item, and I got it for a very good price. BUT that's the risk you take with eBay when you sell, and if you want a specific price then you need to make sure you place a reserve on it!

Good result string bean.