Dodgy eBay Seller, What To Do?

[clarko74]

I have just won an auction for a bike on eBay, only £90, but it was quite a bargain. I emailed the seller to ask if they wanted me to pay by PayPal or cash on collection and to inform them that I'm away this weekend and will collect it one evening next week. They messaged back to say yes that's fine, but then said that as I got the bike at such a good price would I mind them cancelling the transaction so they don't have to pay eBay the fee.

So, I'm not sure what to do now, I'm no fan of eBay's high fees but this chap knew what he was getting himself into and therefore should pay the fees. I'm slightly concerned that if I agree to him cancelling it (and bearing in mind that I did get a bargain and that I haven't collected the bike yet) that he could cancel the transaction and then just relist it and sell it to someone else. I would have no grounds to take it further with eBay as I would have agreed to the cancellation. However, on the other hand, if I don't agree to cancel it could he just cancel the transaction anyway? I'm not sure where I stand with the whole cancelling thing.

It doesn't help that I won't be able to collect the bike until next week. If I had the bike and paid by cash I wouldn't mind what he did, as long as I'm not complicit in his his fraudulent behaviour.

So, what do you think? What's the best way to forward, I just want the bike for what for I bid on it but I can see many ways in which this could go wrong.

[Jesus325iTouring]

I would say, yes to cancellation, but only when you've collected the bike. That way the transaction stays open. He won't want to cancel without confirmation from you as it will just end up messy.

We have cancelled transactions, but only after the deal was done.

[Satan]

As above, but be aware that eBay can view any messages that can affect their revenue stream.

At least he was honest about it as he could just say it broke and pull out of the deal.

[martauto]

The situation stinks !
This guy can quite easily put the price up when you get there by even a lowly 20 quid and you may say well it`s still cheap and pay.
As has been said, he knew the deal when he went through e-bay and persnally I would report him to e-bay and walk away because I think he is trying it on.

Mart.

[martauto]

As above, but be aware that eBay can view any messages that can affect their revenue stream.

Be careful not to be part of this !!

Mart.

[Brianmoooore]

I would say, yes to cancellation, but only when you've collected the bike. That way the transaction stays open. He won't want to cancel without confirmation from you as it will just end up messy.

We have cancelled transactions, but only after the deal was done.

Done exactly this as a buyer on many occasions, and never come unstuck yet.
As per Satan, keep the messages between you off of ebay.

[clarko74]

Just to let everyone know, this all ended well. I messaged the seller (by text) and said I didn't mind what he did as long as he did it after I had the bike, he was fine with that and I collected the bike last week.

Cheers for the advice.

[martauto]

Glad it worked out ok for you mate.

Mart.