A problem with...my own auction?

[Radha]

So, last week I put up a small lot for sale on ebay of common g1s. I took photos and gave a brief description of each pony and started it cheap - I mostly just want to clear inventory and make some cash for an upcoming trip.

 I got the flu this week  and so was perusing Ebay for fun. Saw my own auction and clicked through to see how my pictures looked. To my surprise as I enlarged the pics, it looks like my Bluebell has two small  brown dots! I went to check her out and sure enough, the flash revealed two small areas of discoloration that I hadn't seen before They might be developing cancer - they are faint but not coming off

 The problem is that I described her as being lovely, which I thought she was, and people have already bid. So, what is the most ethical way to handle this? Should I cancel the auction? Or just update the description? I don't have another Bluebell to offer and I don't want anyone to be disappointed. I've never cancelled an auction before and am not sure what happens if People have already bid.

[HawaiianRain]

I would cancel bids and re-list with the updated faults. Maybe drop a note to the previous bidders on why and what is wrong with the pony. They can bid again if they are still interested.

[Sarah-Bee]

I agree that would be the best course of action. Kudos to you for wanting to sort it for your bidders! And I'm sorry your pony has these issues you weren't aware of, it's never nice to find that out, had the same thing myself with ponies I thought were NM x

[ponylady]

I would cancel bids and re-list with the updated faults. Maybe drop a note to the previous bidders on why and what is wrong with the pony. They can bid again if they are still interested.

This is exactly what I would do and also suggest doing. I am sure your bidders will understand and be thankful for your honesty.

[Radha]

Well, I went to cancel and Ebay wouldn't let me since there was less than 12 hours to go It also wouldn't let me edit my description, even though the directions said that it would.

 So, I had no choice but to let it run. Now that it's over  i contacted the buyer and offered three choices: 1. Cancel the sale 2. Send them on and give a 4.00 refund or 3. I can send pics of a few other g1s that I have and they can choose another pony.

  Does that seem fair? I hope they aren't too disappointed

[ponylady]

I didn't even think about asking you how much time was left? 

I think those are more than fair options that you have come up with. I know I myself would be happy with either the second or third. Hopefully your buyer will be understanding and think so too.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[Tap Dancer]

Contact the winner and explain that you noticed the spots after it was too late to cancel the auction. I would offer to let them bow out if they don't want the pony. If they still want her, tell them you're going to apply a small discount for the inconvenience. Hopefully that will make them happy and you'll get positive feedback.

[ponylady]

Contact the winner and explain that you noticed the spots after it was too late to cancel the auction. I would offer to let them bow out if they don't want the pony. If they still want her, tell them you're going to apply a small discount for the inconvenience. Hopefully that will make them happy and you'll get positive feedback.

She already did 

So, I had no choice but to let it run. Now that it's over  i contacted the buyer and offered three choices: 1. Cancel the sale 2. Send them on and give a 4.00 refund or 3. I can send pics of a few other g1s that I have and they can choose another pony.

  Does that seem fair? I hope they aren't too disappointed

[Ringlets]

Well, I went to cancel and Ebay wouldn't let me since there was less than 12 hours to go It also wouldn't let me edit my description, even though the directions said that it would.

 So, I had no choice but to let it run. Now that it's over  i contacted the buyer and offered three choices: 1. Cancel the sale 2. Send them on and give a 4.00 refund or 3. I can send pics of a few other g1s that I have and they can choose another pony.

  Does that seem fair? I hope they aren't too disappointed

That was the right thing to do and its definitely fair on your buyer so dont worry.  Its a pain when things happen unexpectedly and ebay wont let you add or change anything, but at least you've been open with your buyer and I think they will appreciate it