eBay

winifred2024 · ‎07-05-2026

Good morning, i recently listed an item with a reserve, i had a few decent bids then 2 people really over bid to see what the reserve was i think, they both then retracted their bids and the item reverted to the last legit bid placed, i feel this had a negative impact on the item selling as it had close to 170 watchers but absolutely no bids after the retractions and didnt get anywhere near the reserve, the last legit bid was £1800 but the over bids were close to 5k which made no sense for the item being sold,any ideas why this happened as i feel it put potential buyers off in rhe long run

Thanks 😪

**peaseblossom** · ‎07-05-2026

If potential watchers noticed the retractions they might think they were due to the bidders finding out something negative about the item.

If it's a vehicle and you want to relist it's best to use a classified ad then you can state your preferred price but be open to negotiation. You don't end the listing until the deal is done and it usually works out cheaper.

winifred2024 · ‎07-05-2026

Hi, thankyou for this, everyting i know was in the listing i just feel deflated by the whole experience as it went from 1800 to over 3k in one hit and then 2 bidders outbid each other up to nearly 5k and then retracted bids, its so upsetting, id had a few enquries before this and feel like they had been put up to it if that makes sense, i will possibly relist and as you say do it in classified but the extra charge to relist feels unfair as i feel it would have sold for my reserve if this hadnt happened .

Sent from my Galaxy

arkwebus · ‎07-05-2026

Just a reminder that to add a reserve costs you 4% of the reserve whether or not the item sells.

Many sellers on here recommend simply starting the auction at the price you really want and will accept.

If it is a vehicle then I would always go for "classified" as otherwise the buyer cannot inspect the vehicle before purchase. There is no eBay protection on cars etc.

@winifred2024

fargvs · ‎07-05-2026

As advised --- and for Vehicles, FYI ---

Classified Ads. at total fee of £19. 99 allows the exchange of contact details for viewing and price negotiation over a 30 day period --- set the Start price at or near the price that you would find acceptable --- Avoid accepting Offers which will halt the listing and the deal may never be completed --- just continue to Negotiate an acceptable selling price and only remove the Ad. when you have a definite buyer with Cash in hand or a Bank Transfer is safely deposited/confirmed before handing over Vehicle keys/documents on buyer viewing /collection. No additional FVF selling fee is charged. --- Do not accept PayPal payment. --- stay safe!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/listings/listing-tips/selling-classified-ads?id=4167&st=3&pos=2&...