[Eaglerapids]

Hey guys, there was a lens I'm interested in on E-Bay. The guy was asking a way high starting bid for the particular lens and no one bid on it, the auction just now ended.
Is it kosher for me to e-mail the guy an offer since the auction has ended? Do the same protections still exist if so and he accepted?

[Marc Langille]

Hey guys, there was a lens I'm interested in on E-Bay. The guy was asking a way high starting bid for the particular lens and no one bid on it, the auction just now ended.
Is it kosher for me to e-mail the guy an offer since the auction has ended? Do the same protections still exist if so and he accepted?

Only if you feel your offer is reasonable, in comparison to his min. starting bid. In other words, is it reasonable for the value of the item, and would you insult the person selling the item if you offered too low? To protect yourself, have him relist with a Buy it Now if you agree on the price.

I've done that before, and it's the safest approach for you. Ebay is always a bit of a risk, but plenty of positive feedbacks for the seller should allay that concern.

Cheers,
Marc

[blwnhr]

You can e-mail him, but it clearly states in the eBay terms that make a deal outside of the auction and you're on your own.

[Eaglerapids]

Only if you feel your offer is reasonable, in comparison to his min. starting bid. In other words, is it reasonable for the value of the item, and would you insult the person selling the item if you offered too low? To protect yourself, have him relist with a Buy it Now if you agree on the price.
Cheers,
Marc

Great advice, ty.
I don't think I'll go there on second thought. I don't have very many feedbacks, only 3 or 4 and little experience and the last thing I want to do is insult somebody. The price I'm willing to pay is $10 less than the same lens went for over the weekend, which is $30 less than his start bid and that was $89.95 so he may just take that as an insult.
Thanks for the quick replies.

[George Lama]

Keep your eye on the items you're interested in and you'll get it. It took me a few weeks to finally snag one I was happy with.

I even lucked out and grabbed a 135mm Sears Macro Zoom lens f/2.8, new in the box and so clean, it was like it had time traveled.

Patience is key.

Another good hint, look for auctions ending late at night , particularly weekends. Those are easier to snipe.

And lastly, never bid your lowest price. Always bid the highest price you would be happy with and let ebay do its autobidding for you. If the other person/people stop bidding, you will only pay the least amount bid.

[stewart_photo]

Wait a day or two. The seller will probably re-list the item on eBay, at a price lower than the failed auction. If not, as someone else said, another will eventually be available at the price you want.

stewart

[lapeen]

If you ever do run into that, you can always contact the seller and ask them to offer you a 'second chance offer.' Then you still get all the ebay "protection."