Changing terms of offer

Just wondering how others feel about this. How would you feel if you answered an ad expressing interest in an offer and asked a couple of questions.

You receive a reply from the seller that he is closing the sales process to those that expressed interest and then starts an auction, with the item going to the highest bidder.

Personally, I can see both sides. The seller wants to maximize his price, but he's changing the terms. OTHO, no commitment was made so why couldn't he? Or would you consider this a form of "bait and switch".

BTW, all specific information as to who the buyers and seller are will remain aynonamous. Not looking to stir things up, just wondering what the mainstream thought is.

Can you say specifically what the item was and it's selling price?

Personally, I can see both sides. The seller wants to maximize his price, but he's changing the terms. OTHO, no commitment was made so why couldn't he? Or would you consider this a form of "bait and switch".


I don't see it as bait and switch though it could have been. As a seller, the item is yours. The seller is the one with the money tied up in the item, the one who is giving up possession in exchange for money. Buyers are pretty much along for the ride until an agreement is made.

So, while switching from a fixed price to an auction maybe a bit distasteful, I think it's the seller's discretion to do with the items as he/she pleases.

Of course, it's the buyers choice whether to bid or not... Personally I don't do auctions so I would let the seller know that I am not interested and wish her/him the best.

Jon

Well, here's the end to the saga. Was just notified that none of the original 4 people involved elected to bid. The seller left the ad up, someone else responded to the ad, and the item was sold. At least amongst the 4 original people, none cared for the situation.