how can a seller cancel an auction saying the item is unavailable, then relist at higher price?

[pboal.aus]

Is it against ebay rules for a seller to cancel an auction on the grounds the item is no longer available, then relist it (almost immediately) at a higher, buy it now price, especially if auction has run for a few days?

[katistrophik]

The seller has started the bidding too low and realised his mistake and corrected it.

May be a newish seller following eBays ridiculous advice to start the bidding low to get people interested.

The problem with that is if the winning bidder has only bid $10.00 to win the item the seller must sell to them as it is now a contract and why should a seller lose money, so cancelling and relisting as BIN is the best way for them to go.

A seller is allowed to do this so long as there is enough time left in the auction, and so long as they advise any bidders, which this seller has done.

[pboal.aus]

Not a new seller, and has done this on multiple items. I find it interesting that, as a bidder, your are bound to follow through, and can only retract a bid under certain circumstances, but a seller can withdraw an item so easily (especially when it has been going for a little while) if bids aren't high enough.

[katistrophik]

You did not mention it had been done with numerous items, but the reason I suggested would still be valid, they started the bidding too low. If you feel strongly enough about this, you could report them to eBay. Not sure what action would be taken, if any, as basically the item is the sellers to do with as they wish until sold/won/contracted.