Though slightly against eBay standards here is what I would do.
Contact the seller and tell them just as you were hitting the BIN it went away. YOU are a local person with good feedback and have cash money on hand,ready to pick up the unit ASAP.
The bidder is totally new with a zero feedback rating, so they might want to do a deal. It cannot hurt.
Next time when "Big Momma" says jump on something don't pussy foot around! *LOL*
Many, many times people on this side of the pond put up things on eBay they find at auctions/family member's attic/basement or lately with the housing market so busy; things found in a home they just purchased. Rather than take the time to test things, especially if they do not know what they are doing, the item is listed as "As Is".
If one knows what to look for, and has the eye such seller ignorance can be a blessing. This particular auction had a BIN price of only $25 USD. Similar units in far worse shape have been listed with a starting price of much more.
Also "as is" auctions tend to scare off bottom feeders, which means less competition for those of us who know what we are doing/looking for. *LOL*
What I really hate is when cluelss newbie eBayers (those with no or low feedback), put in a low opening bid which cancels out the BIN, then fail to bid over the BIN price. If the item is "hot" others start bidding and soon the item that could have been had for a reasonable BIN price is now twice or more that price. Ok, one could argue that in some cases the item was not worth the BIN price, but in this case the difference was only about $15 USD.
Launderess
Post# 100180-12/27/2005-19:02 ||| Goatfarmer(South Bend Indiana)
Also,"sometimes",the seller knows that it doesn't work,or has a known problem.Instead of being up front,they say condition unknown,or similar.Might bring more money that way with someone willing to take a chance that it does work.
Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats you!
Seller relisted item with same BIN price, but has removed the shipping option. Now states the item cannot go via FEDEX and must be picked up locally. If that is not an clear invitation from the washer gods, don't know what else to say.
I got an email from the seller this morning that he had relisted the washer. I thought about it this morning, and after a bit of arm-twisting from Laundress and the Washer God's, I decided to grab it. Hopefully it works! Thanks for the help on this one Laundress - I'm glad to see it is going to a member of the board.
Ben
BTW - the seller did not have any other pictures of the unit, but said it includes a cover. I really hope it is one of the Maytag moving covers!
Glad you were able to nab this item, but between you and me, fancy the seller wanted you/a local person to have it. This of course providing you contacted the seller as per my suggestion. Think this because many,many Maytag and Hoover twinnes won on eBay were shipped via UPS or FedEx ground service, so find it kind of funny this seller claims it is not possible.
For whatever reason though, again am very happy you landed the set, and look forward to hearing more about your new "toy" once you have it home.
Those Maytag covers are really nice! If your twinne comes with one, please post a snap or two, have never seen one and wondering also if they fit Hoover twin tubs.
