eBay Ethics Question - Opinions?

[maxpower]

I recently listed a bunch of BIN cards (NOT auction listings). I inadvertently priced a card at $100 less than I had intended (typo - $80 instead of $180). A potential buyer contacted me offline to ask whether I'd sell for $50 (no Best Offer option), at which point I saw that the listing was incorrect and corrected it.

The potential buyer was not happy and let me know about it. He claims that I had no right to raise the price. My contention is that if he had hit the BIN, then he'd have a claim (and incidentally, I would have honored the price, mistake or no), but since he was only inquiring on the card, I was under no obligation not to correct the BIN price.

I'd love to hear any cogent arguments in support of the buyer's opinion, because I hesitate to write him off as crazy, but I simply don't understand why he feels entitled. I understand why he might feel frustrated by missing out on a steal, but since he hadn't placed a bid and hadn't pulled the trigger on the purchase, I feel completely within my rights to have corrected the listing.

 

[Jastermereel]

Sounds like he was being stingy to begin with. You have nothing to feel guilty about.

 

[NYCrulesU]

You're fine. Had it sold and you refused to sell it then I would not agree with you. However, you caught your error in time and corrected it.

 

[Huffamaniac]

You did nothing wrong

 

[hive17]

I'd love to hear any cogent arguments in support of the buyer's opinion, because I hesitate to write him off as crazy, but I simply don't understand why he feels entitled.

Wait, lemme get REEEAAALLLYYYY stoned first, then maybe I can figure out what he's thinking.

He was looking square at a deal and he STILL tried to haggle. He isn't too quick on the uptake to begin with.

Also, if you sell a lot on eBay, I'd block this guy to prevent NEG bombs on different items as some sort of retaliation; that is, if you feel that he is indeed THAT mad.

 

[CollectorsCorner]

I see no problem with it

 

[Sly]

Tell him you would have declined his offer regardless, so he is not entitled to anything.

If he'd hit the BIN, then he'd have a claim, but he didn't...his fault.

 

[EricInCT]

total assclown of a buyer, move on you are fine.

If I saw something 100 less I would have hit it immediately.......I don't know what the guy was thinking wasting his time emailing you and bringing attention to it........what if you never noticed it until he email you? Seriously what do some people think ::facepalm::

 

[Rickzcards]

Tell him you would have declined his offer regardless, so he is not entitled to anything.

If he'd hit the BIN, then he'd have a claim, but he didn't...his fault.

I agree with all opinions. He who hesitates mastur...., well you know what I mean. I would add this clown to my blocked bidder list if I were in your situation to avoid retaliation.

 

[gt2590]

You're fine. Had it sold and you refused to sell it then I would not agree with you. However, you caught your error in time and corrected it.

+1. And add him to blocked so he doesn't grab something cheap to N-Bomb you on as payback.

 

[matfanofold]

One time I had a similar situation where I had listed a a card and had a few bidders already when I noticed it was a 1 day listing instead of a 7 day as intended. I canceled the auction and contacted all the bidders explaining the error(as well as offering free shipping if they win). I also added a note to the new auction explaining the situation to all the watchers. Each prior bidder resumed their bidding without hesitation. The moral of the story being, as long as things are kept on the level and everyone is properly informed, usually all will be well. However, in your case as the circumstances are a bit different, as long as you explained yourself in a proper manor, I see no reason for guilt. Yet, I can see the guys point of view also. He offered $50 on a $80 only to be rejected and have the card relisted as $180. Unfortunately this is one of thoes cases where you cant make everyone happy.

Having said all of that, I personally would have contacted that guy, explained my mistake, and offered him the card as a one time offer for the erronious ammount of $80 before relisting for $180 as a gesture of good faith and salsemenship. I have always been of the mindset that the customer is the most important feature of e-bay, and sometimes you have to satisfy them above all else. Expecially when it's a self made mistake causing the issue(s).

EDIT: I'd just like to say, I do not really expect everyone to be this way, it's just how I handle myself with regards to selling.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Ditto everyone else. DUde's crazy.

 

[Rickzcards]

One time I had a similar situation where I had listed a a card and had a few bidders already when I noticed it was a 1 day listing instead of a 7 day as intended. I canceled the auction and contacted all the bidders explaining the error(as well as offering free shipping if they win). I also added a note to the new auction explaining the situation to all the watchers. Each prior bidder resumed their bidding without hesitation. The moral of the story being, as long as things are kept on the level and everyone is properly informed, usually all will be well. However, in your case as the circumstances are a bit different, as long as you explained yourself in a proper manor, I see no reason for guilt. Yet, I can see the guys point of view also. He offered $50 on a $80 only to be rejected and have the card relisted as $180. Unfortunately this is one of thoes cases where you cant make everyone happy.

Having said all of that, I personally would have contacted that guy, explained my mistake, and offered him the card as a one time offer for the erronious ammount of $80 before relisting for $180 as a gesture of good faith and salsemenship. I have always been of the mindset that the customer is the most important feature of e-bay, and sometimes you have to satisfy them above all else. Expecially when it's a self made mistake causing the issue(s).

EDIT: I'd just like to say, I do not really expect everyone to be this way, it's just how I handle myself with regards to selling.

Maybe had he hit the BIN but to offer $50 for it is kind of a insult. Eff that guy, he had his chance and tried to screw over the OP for even more. You snooze you lose. And the seller has every right to turn down a offer, especially one as stupid as that.

 

[maxpower]

Thanks for the opinions. I appreciate all the feedback. Especially hive17's idea about blocking him... he was steaming, so it's probably a good idea.

matfanofold: I understand what you're saying, but I'm not sure I'd be quite that generous. The buyer had an opportunity to get a great deal (and one that I would have honored). I feel like offering it to him again would be way above and beyond, particularly since he was so hostile when I rejected his offer and explained my error. But you are to be commended for your commitment to customer service =)

What's funny is that TWO separate people made offline offers for the card, so the complainer wasn't even the only guy who missed out on the steal (the second guy who offered was disappointed, but much more understanding about the situation). Guess there must be something in the water today...

 

[nyc3]

I got $5 on cardboardbeauties (or how ever you spell his ebay id)

 

[agentjak]

total assclown of a buyer, move on you are fine.

If I saw something 100 less I would have hit it immediately.......I don't know what the guy was thinking wasting his time emailing you and bringing attention to it........what if you never noticed it until he email you? Seriously what do some people think ::facepalm::

.......+1........Yeah what he said!! :lol: :lol: