An Education In Ebay

So, last night, Jose was on the computer as I sat at the table chatting with a friend. He was quiet, but at one point asked me to help him. I asked what he needed help with, but he never responded, so I figured that he was doing okay.

[Let me interject that my husband is computer impaired. Aside from the hunt and peck typing, I have had to teach him basically everything about how to use a computer and the internet. He's not stupid, but just not the most savvy.]

Then, he came and sat down at the chair next to me. He looked serious as he asked, "If you are the highest bidder, do you have to buy it?"

My jaw dropped. My friend laughed and asked what he bid on.

"A phone."

Finally, I found words and asked how much he bid.

"Like $80."

I stared at him, speechless. So he continued to talk.

"I don't even want it. I was just messing around. I didn't know that I had to buy it."
I asked how much longer was on the auction, hoping that he'd be outbid before it ended. He just asked me to try to cancel it, so I sat at the computer. The auction had less then three minutes remaining and he was the highest bidder.

Then...he won. 



Fortunately, I thought to email the seller. Here is the message that they recieved, and I can only imagine the snickering that happened on the other end of the email:

"I want to apologize in advance, then I want to ask you what can be done. My husband decided that he *needs* a new phone. So, he got onto ebay, on my account, and started bidding on things, not understanding a darn thing about what auctions are, what ebay is, etc. Then, about ten minutes ago, he came and asked, if you win a bid, do you have to buy it? Uh. I nearly lost it. So, he bid on this phone, not even wanting it. Just to see how it worked. Needless to say, I am not happy with him right now. Is there any way to cancel the order? I know that once a bid is placed and confirmed, it's done. And I understand if you want us to follow through with our order. We will. I just wondered if there was anything that could be done? Thank you. And I am so sorry."

Within moments, I got an email asking for confirmation to cancel the order. Needless to say, Jose will not be allowed on ebay anytime soon...