Can you withdraw from an auction (before the bidding ends)?

[toby_le_pue]

Depends on whether you qualify http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/bid-retract.html

[holderofthepast]

Also depends on your reason. Best thing is to talk to the seller, explain why you want to withdraw. A lot of sellers are understanding, some may be upset if the bidding got to a high price. This is why we should really think before we bid on things but sometimes things do happen that we have to withdraw.   

[reallynicestamps]

Yes.

EBay has a very short list of reasons, but frankly most sellers won't want to deal with a customer who doesn't want to deal with them and isn't likely to pay.

Your retraction will show on your Feedback page. Some sellers may see that and cancel future bids. Too many retractions and you may be contacted by eBay and 'called into the principal's office'.

If you are interested in an item but not sure, you can put it on your Watch list. You can even compare several similar items on your Watch list.