I used Ricardo to dispose of a kitchen (free to first person to collect). I didn't want to create a fixed price (CHF 1) auction because some twit would be bound to click 'buy now' and that would be the end of it. So I created a 10-day regular auction with a CHF 1 starting price for maximum exposure. So far so good, someone turns up after a few days of the auction running and agrees to take the entire kitchen.
[The Sublime]

So I immediately go into my original listing and try and cancel it (standard feature on Ebay), but I can't because some jokers have already started bidding. So instead I amend the auction and clearly state 'Kitchen has been taken', and yet people are still bidding for it (despite me clearly stating it was a) free and b) now gone ). Anyway, to cover myself I contacted Ricardo to ask them to annul the auction because the item is no longer available, and besides it was never meant to be auctioned in the first place. Rather ominously they tell me that I am legally obliged to sell to the highest bidder, and failure to do so may result in a suspension of my account
[The Ridiculous]

Should I be concerned?? clearly someone witless enough to bid on a non-existent item is the same sort that would kick up a massive fuss and claim breach of contract. I take nothing for granted in this country

P.S I am aware that it was a little naughty using an auction listing for a free ad (however it did cost about CHF 15 in listing fees)

I understand what you were trying to do but the rules are pretty clear. If you auction stuff you can cancel or change the auction until someone has bid, thereafter you can't change anything or cancel the auction.

I have had my own beef with Ricardo recently and a stupid buyer. It cost me a lot of energy to sort out (and it was also over something I sold for 1 CHF....).

Makes it sound like this would have been easier to do on EF...

I am sure someone would have crept out from under a stone to tell all and sundry why it was not a good deal and how many were killed/maimed or exploited in the process of it being made....

Next time you could make an auction with a "sofort kaufen" price of SFr 1,--

Really, I think EF is much better than Ricardo. I never had a bad experience here. I think it's great that we have a little expat community here and we can help each other.

Please see the first line of my first post
That kind of auction would have lasted all of two minutes... click now, think about it later. I've had my fair share of time-wasters on that particular auction.

I've just had a very expensive bad experience on EF. My fault, lesson learnt- but it does leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Looking forward to the next topic: how to send a kitchen by b-post

When the auctions ends, write to the winning bidder and explain that he bidded after you added description that the kitchen is gone and due to some personal things you needed the kitchen gone ASAP...

Than go to the settings and cancel the deal, this request has to be accepted from the bidder and if he accepts it the auction and list fees will be gone and he won't be able to leave you feedback.

Worst case scenario he gets pissed off and put a negative review on your account.

Sorry but I have no sympathy for you. It is clear what Ricardo is for. I have been a member for 5 years, have bought and sold almost 100 items, and have never had a problem - not with the site, and not with any buyer/seller.

You can't use an auction site and then claim 'but I didn't want an auction'. that's called being too clever...

Have to second that. Trying to cheat the system and then complain when users actually bid in earnest for it..

Clearly my ad wasn't strictly kosher, but then again how about my conditions?

1) Kitchen is free (so bidding is pointless)
2) First come, first serve (you're too late now, its been taken)

You should have left the auction to end and the winning bid to take the kitchen. If he was a no show you could have offered it to the next in line bidders.

Or you should have put a buy now price of 3-4-500 CHF

You would have made some money

What happened Odile?

I think you'll find this thread is about ME and my goddam kitchen

Your kitchen's gone. This thread is about you being caught out not using Ricardo properly.

I guess it was a little self righteous of me to complain about the auction site.. oh well, I am sure there will be pain to come

unless you want to have the highest bidder sue you and you have to pay for a new kitchen for them, i suggest you sell it to the highest bidder.

EDIT: on second thoughts... where is the ad? i could do with a new kitchen....

tip: if the ad is still going, get a friend to bid to make sure he is the highest bidder and eat the auction costs. if taker hasn't taken the kitchen, tell him that he must be the highest bidder to take it.

ps: is your legal insurance up to date?

I found your auction.... Can i bid?