Carter-K8VT wrote:
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...

The original point being that to get Ebay to recognize the second bid
and to obtain whatever protection Ebay offers the seller would have to
go through the steps of cancelling the sale.