Policy overview Some examples Why does eBay have this policy?

Policy overview

Certain eBay listings involve non-binding bids, such as items listed in Property and eBay Motors. A non-binding bid isn't a formal contract between the buyer and the seller, but it does represent a buyer's serious interest in buying the item. Insincere bidding isn't allowed on eBay.

Make sure you follow these guidelines. If you don't, you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

Some examples

Example of a non-binding bid: Mary is selling her house and has received several bids on the property. The listing closes with a winning bidder and Mary is ready to close the sale. Unfortunately, the winning bidder decides not to complete the sale. Upset with this buyer, she tries to request a final value fee credit through the unpaid item process. Mary, the seller, is in violation of the non-binding bid policy because bids on real estate are not contracts.

Example of a binding bid: Steve is bidding on a new rug for his living room and he wins the auction. Later he finds out that the rug isn't big enough to cover his floor and he wants to back out of the sale, claiming the bid was non-binding. Steve, the buyer, is in violation of the unpaid item policy because the rug he bid on isn't in a category that's covered under the non-binding bid policy.