The second-highest bidder never just "kicks in". If the seller wishes to
offer it formally through eBay to the next-highest bidder, he can send a
Second Chance offer, which the buyer may choose to accept or decline.

However, the seller/scammer may also take his new list of potential buyers
and offer the item to one or all of them privately, giving a story about
deadbeat bidder, the guy died, whatever. The mark thinks he has lucked out
and sends his money, but receives something that is far different than what
was listed (in this case, perhaps, a totally non-working radio). Since the
deal went down outside of eBay, the seller is stuck with no recourse; no
PayPal Buyer Protection, or opportunity to even leave negative feedback.
It's an old trick.

In any case, since this R-1000 closed at $610, something fishy definitely
went down. These are great radios (I have one myself) but they aren't very
rare and certainly aren't worth that kind of money. It could be simply
seller's remorse. Decided he didn't want to sell it after all but already
had bids, so just had his buddies bid it up and out.



"Carter-K8VT" wrote in message
. ..
John S. wrote:

I believe the second bidders bid becomes recognized by Ebay only if the
seller cancels the high bid.

Partially correct--but there's more than just "canceling": could be he
is a deadbeat bidder who won't/can't pay, is an actual shill who had no
intention of paying, says he bid wrong item (or wrong amount), dies
before he can send the payment, buyer's regret...there are no end of
real (or bogus) reasons that would allow the second highest bidder to
kick in...