Buyer just setup a new account to snipe auction.

[super_r-type]

Hi,

I just had an auction where it seemed like no customers were going to meet the reserve price. Suddenly, close to the end of the auction on day 7 (7-day auction), a new buyer/eBay account made a manual bid and then sniped the reserve price. I see this as highly suspicious behavior. I’ve spent some time trying to contact eBay support but have been unable to reach a human. The item is relatively high in value (€500), so should I take a chance once it is insured?

Penny for your thoughts...!

[papso22 · Accepted solution]

If the buyer has paid, post it as you would have if it wasn't a new member.

I see nothing suspicious and you are as likely to be scammed by an established member as a new one.

[red_magpie]

I see this as highly suspicious behavior.

This doesn't sound suspicious, it's just common and accepted bidding practice.

Many buyers prefer to leave their bids as late as possible - I do myself. It's unlikely that your buyer "sniped the reserve price". They won't have known what it was and will have bid more than the reserve. But if no other bids reached the reserve the bidder will have won it at this price.

There are always risks when selling or buying on eBay, but you accepted in the user agreement that you would not fail to deliver the items your buyers win. As for the buyer being a new eBay account holder, you've only been a member yourself for six days!