EBay experts: Won auction but reserve not met

[Blue Hen]

We won an auction last evening with lots and lots of bidding by other folks; total of 23 bids on this item. So this item was not ignored by folks. The reserve was not met so I realize that the seller does not have to sell the item to us at our winning bid price, but can they? Do they have the option to do that?

Also, our winning bid was lower than our max bid, so should we approach the seller? We did ask the seller questions early in the listing and she sent a great email back---we all chuckled when she wrote, 'please understand, I'm trying to get answers from a 15yo boy' I think my 15yo boy laughed the most.

EBay experts, what would you recommend doing?

Thanks,
Carole

[lynn]

They can let you have it for your last bid if they choose but with a reserve that was not met they don't have to. I don't think they know your max bid unless it the winning bid.

[Sue G in PA]

I've done that before and most sellers will accept it if it's at all close to the reserve. I usually ask what the reserve it before I bid, just so I have an idea. But, just ask the seller...she'll either sell it to you for your last bid OR tell you the reserve and give you the opportunity to meet it. OR she can relist it. Most sellers don't want to go through that hassle though. HTH

[Blue Hen]

OK, that's what I just did. I'll let ya know what she says.

[Blue Hen]

She doesn't want to sell it at my winning bid and is going to try to sell the item locally. I asked her what price that will be and am waiting for a reply.