Can I retract or cancel my bid?
When you place a bid on eBay, you enter a binding contract. However, it's possible to retract a bid before the end of an auction, but only in exceptional circumstances. Remember that number of times you've retracted a bid will be displayed in your Feedback profile.
How to retract a bid
Provide a reason why you're retracting your bid, such as:
Seller changed the item description
You couldn't contact the seller
Your seller may object to the reason you gave for retracting the bid:
Eg you retracted a bid because you entered the wrong amount. However, you didn't place a new bid with the correct amount. The seller may report that your retraction reason is invalid.
Learn more about invalid bid retraction and what actions we may take
Timing matters
If you submit the bid retraction form:
Up to 12 hours before the end of the listing
All bids you've place on the item will be cancelled automatically
During the last 12 hours of the listing
Only your most recent bid will be cancelled, provided that the bid retraction form is submitted within an hour of your bid
If you want to cancel a bid placed more than an hour ago, you'll need to contact the seller to cancel your bid
Reasons for retracting a bid
There are only 3 reasons for retracting a bid and every bid on eBay is binding, unless the:
If you want to withdraw your bid for any other reason (eg a family member placed the bid using your account or you simply changed your mind), you'll need to contact the seller to explain what happened. The seller will decide whether to cancel your bid.
If your bid isn't cancelled and you subsequently win the item but don't pay for it, the seller may file an unpaid item case against you.
If you need to cancel a bid quickly because it was placed by someone else using your password without authorisation, choose 'Entered wrong amount' as your retraction reason and then contact us about the account theft so that we can investigate.
Cancelling the transaction
If you won the item but want to cancel the transaction, you'll have to contact the seller to explain the situation. You'll must get their agreement to a mutual withdrawal from sale.
Learn more about how to cancel a transaction
Tips for buyers
Bid on multiple identical items only if you intend to buy all of it
Before placing a bid, read the item description and check the seller's feedback carefully
Ask the seller questions by going to the bottom of the view item page and click the Ask a question link
Remember that when you place a bid on a Buy It Now listing, you are entering into a binding contract
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Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
