Seller renigs on sale to winninng bidder

[youngjohn2002]

What I do when  I am the winning bidder and the seller, after previously informing me that someone else has committed to taking the item away but will contact me if this falls through, now says when I pointed out that he has a binding contract with the winning bidder, that a large tree fell on the item smashing it to pieces. Ridiculous!! Are seller's able to get away with renigging on the auction. I have searched the ebay site for a complaints process but it says I have to wait 10 days after the close of the auction, by which time the item will have been removed by the seller's other contact and I will be left with an item not paid for on my account!

[nevillesdaughter]

If the seller is not going to sell the item, there's not really anything you can do. At least all you've wasted is your time. You can leave feedback regarding the transacttion, but state your case in a simple, factual manner eg "Seller refused to complete transaction - said item sold esewhere". 

Avoid name-calling, dafamatory remarks, or abuse, that could get your comments removed by eBay. If marking the seller's DSR's, remember that 0 stars is no comment - 1 star is the lowest rating. The seller cannot leave negative comments for the buyer - even if they leave a green dot with a negative comment, you can phone eBay, explain and ask them to remove it.

Cheers,

Marina.

[bsal6160]

Also, report the seller for offering for sale outside of eBay. It is against eBay policy to advertise the item elsewhere while listed on eBay.