Bidder wants me to end an auction early

[arcra8009]

Hello new seller here. This is my first auction style listing where there is a bid. The bidder messaged me requesting that I end the bidding early. I am hesitant as I know there were few others who are interested in the item and may bid but I do not want to offend this bidder as he may end up winning. What shall I do? Thank you so much for your advice

[ricarmic · Accepted solution]

Almost always these "I want it early" folks are not the subsequent winners. It is also a VERY good sign, almost always in my experience the item sells well with lots of bidders and usually for a lot more than whatever the early requester suggested.

I always respond with something like this:

Thank you for your note and offer. In order to be fair to all bidders my policy is not to end auctions early. I hope you have good luck with your bidding if you choose to bid. Sorry I did not have better news and I hope you have a great day!

[mrdutch1001]

ANY potential buyer/bidder can message you in advance of placing a bid if they have questions, concerns, or want to request a buy it now price, etc,etc...

it is never a good idea to end an auction early at a bidder's request...that is almost always a red flag...

sure it's possible the bidder just doesn't want to wait till end of auction, maybe wants that item NOW, but this bidder had every opportunity to message you in advance of placing a bid...

let the auction listing ride out it's time...

Let the bidding process do its thing..

That's what an auction is supposed to do...

[femmefan1946]

I know there were few others who are interested in the item and may bid

Watchers watch. Buyers buy.

That being said, if you have early bids, it would not, in my opinion, be sensible to sell to the member.  Most bids arrive in the last few minutes, even seconds, of an auction. You don't even see the snipers who bid in those last moments, and , win or lose, push up the winning bid.

but I do not want to offend this bidder as he may end up winning.

Has he placed a bid?

If he has not,  Message him. "Thank you for your interest. Because this auction has bids/watchers I prefer to let it run its course. You are of course welcome to bid yourself."

If he has, "Thank you for your interest. Because this auction has bids/watchers I prefer to let it run its course."

I had a Best Offer yesterday  and while the BO was trying to find my minimum acceptable price, another buyer purchased at full price.

[femmefan1946]

it's possible the bidder just doesn't want to wait till end of auction, maybe wants that item NOW,

I regard that as a Red Flag.

If you need it immediately, buy locally.

If you need it soon, buy at Fixed Price.

If you are not willing to pay for Priority Post delivery, or the like, don't expect swift delivery.