Grrrr...is there anything I can do about this (sorry, v.v.long)...

[pinkpip100]

I sold a few items on eBay 2 weeks ago - I've bought quite a few things but this was my first time selling anything.
One of the items was an unopened packet of 7 baby vests, which I expected to get a few quid for. I was therefore very shocked to see the bidding gradually creep up, before closing at 31.00 GBP. Whilst I was still reeling from the shock the winning bidder sent me an email saying "Hi I can't pay you. Sorry. Sell it to[the second highest bidder]". I was furious, not because I expected so much money for it but because that riduculously high bid probably stopped other genuine buyers from bidding, and because as I understood it, the winning bidder was obliged to pay. So I sent a very reasonable email telling them this and asking why they couldn't pay. They then replied "hi If you want sell this items use'second chance offer'. I can't pay you becouse I have virus in my PC, and I want risc with my bank account.Good luck "
So, I replied offering to accept a cheque instead. They didn't respond. Eventually I gave up and offered it to the second highest bidder, who luckily still wanted it and we agreed a more reasonable price. I emailed the original buyer to tell them this, and to let them know I would still report them for refusing to pay for an item - again, I had no response. I then filed an unpaid item dispute, but as I had gone on to sell the item to someone else used the "mutually agreed to end the transaction" option. Yesterday I left negative feedback for the buyer, just stating what had happened. Today, they left negative feedback for me, with the message "Many thanks", obviously just in retaliation. Up until this point I have had 100% positive feedback - my rating is now down to 98%. I have replied to the feedback, again stating the circumstances, but having read through the help pages it seems there is nothing else I can do... would any of you more seasoned eBayers have any advice?
I'm a bit dismayed by it all really, I have always found eBayers very considerate, and I know that if I had won something that I then couldn't pay for for whatever reason, I would be incredibly apologetic and give the seller full and valid reasons for it. Also, having looked at the first buyer's feedback (which I admit was also 100% postive) it appears that they bought quite a few things at the time of winning my item, so obviously managed to pay for those...

So sorry to rant on and on .

nothing much you can do really
You can ask for them to agree to mutually withdraw both feedbacks (but the comment still remains)
responding calmly with the facts to the neg is the best way.

Add them to your BB list so they can't auction wreck.

Well done on leaving the neg FB - that's what it's there for - to let others know what they are dealing with.
Don't worry about your neg, it won't make you look bad

Thanks sixlostmonkeys, I had a feeling that was the case. I had never really thought about it before, but I guess that is the flaw in the feedback system .

i think you may be able to have it removed. the buyer is at fault totally and tons would neg them for the same reason.

You can get it removed, but your negative feedback for the non-buyer will also have to be removed as well. Personally, I would just leave it. It will be obvious from the comment "many thanks" that it was a retaliatory or ridiculous neg, and everyone will be able to see your comment in return.

Most people on ebay accept that you will deal with a freak eventually, most people get a negative eventually. Move on, and maybe make a few purchases on ebay where you would normally buy them elsewhere, to get more feedback and move the negative off the first page.

Thanks to you both for your words of advice / support. Its made me feel a bit better to think that people wont immediately be put off either buying from or selling to me because my feedback rating is under 100%.

TBH if people read the message they will think that the buyer must've clicked the wrong feedback option (thinking they were meant to click the positive and weren't looking) as the comment is actually a bit positive LOL
And, if other's actually follow the route, they will find your comment on the buyer's feedback and find out why they clicked negative, so don't worry too much about it!