Ebay advice please - bidder has no feedback and his previous ID isn't viewable

[ClaireDeLoon]

OK this is the first time I have ever tried to sell anything on ebay, I'm selling some tickets (high value, sold out seats to a sporting event, both me and DP got tickets duh).

I have a lot of watchers and have had 3 bidders, it is still way below my reserve (which is the face value plus enough to cover the fees). The top bidder has only been a member since a few days ago, he has zero feedback. His previous ID he apparently had for 4 years but I can't find out how to view it - it says not a member.

What should I do, am I at risk at all? I have sepcified paypal only and I obviously won't despatch until this is cleared.

The other thing I have had loads of people asking me what price to end the auction early/sell privately for cash and local pick up. Wouldn't ebay be a bit miffed if I did that?

I would be suspicious that he recently changed ID to bid on high priced popular items - is it possible to ban him?

It is against ebay rules to end the auction early for a private transaction, but I'm not sure how/if they can find out and do anything about it.

i sold something on ebay recently, and i got alot of people asking this too. selling like this (ending early and paying by cash) doesnt covr you. yes you can not give tickets untill they have given cash iyswim, but with them at the door, it can be a little awkward! its also against the rules.
i wouldnt worry too much about the person with no feedback i would ake it clear tho that you wont send the tickets untill the money has cleared in paypall.

OK, I do say in my listing items dispatched within two days of payment by paypal. I managed to find his previous ID (was searching the wrong way) and he has lots of positive feedback both as a buyer and seller so I don't know why he'd change to bid for these?

I have said to the people that have enquired that I don't want to end it early but will consider them if the tickets don't sell. I don't really want to get in trouble with ebay, I don't use it a lot but do have 100% feedback as a buyer and would like to keep that.

oop meant to say - thanks for the advice guys.

just wondering what you mean by waiting for paypal payment to clear? Do you mean an echeque? If it's an instant paypal payment then you don't need to wait until it has cleared into your bank.
Remember to post these tickets special delivery and make sure you are covered for the full amount. recorded delivery will only cover you for £39

I just meant waiting for confirmation that the other person had made payment