However, I would like to know, is it possible in a way to reach the 2nd highest bidder? I can only see his/her name but can not send a message or contact in any means.
After reading other posts and the T&Cs on Ricardo. I know I probably don't have much to do with an unserious buyer more than a negative feedback.
Seems there's not much you can do apart from leaving them negative feedback, reporting to Ricardo to get your fees refunded, and re-list. It would appear there's no option to contact the second bidder, but I've never sold on Ricardo so don't know for sure.
Sales, even through ricardo, are governed by Obligationenrecht. They are binding, buyer doesn't have a right to back off by default, if you don't let him. You can send (or threaten to send) a Betreibung to your unserious buyer to force him to complete the sale, or at least demand compensation for all expenses from your side that he has caused (e.g. ricardo fees, Betreibung costs, etc).
You can also contact ricardo, explain the situation and hopefully they'd waive the fees. They can send an email to your second bidder with an option to take over your item, but it wouldn't be binding for him yet, he can choose to not take it after all.
I have certainly had someone reach out to me as second bidder on Ricardo. I don't know what they had to do but it is definitely possible.
We had a similar problem : quite honestly Ricardo don't want to know about ANY problems and always say it has to be sorted out between the buyer and the seller. We went backards and forwards over the sale of an expensive carpet which had a huge bleach mark in the middle from the sun.
This was not disclosed, was not shown in the photographs and when we arrived to collect the carpet, it was already rolled up. Asked to see the interior, and the seller told us we were obligated to meet our bidding rules. Left a very nasty taste, I can tell you all!
Ricardo when informed backed off immediately and refused to become involved. It turned very nasty and in the end we lost 100.00. Taught us a salutory lesson and since then, we are much more careful, although most sellers are genuine
This case is covered by Obligationenrecht, too! Art. 205 OR. You have a right as a buyer to withdraw from the sale in case of serious defects that the seller "forgot" to mention, or request a reduction in price for them, you should have used it! If I were you, I'd spend your next 100,- on some course or books to educate yourself about the basic swiss laws for everyday situations
Right. Of course, one is always wise after the event and these were the days when we did not entirely understand the intracacies of the Ricardo rules - now we know better!
Find your last sentence a little harsh in the sentiments, but hopefully you meant well.
Talk to Ricardo, I was also approached after an auction that I didn't win offering me a chance to buy the goods for my highest bid.
As others have said, the sale is legally binding so you could also pursue that avenue.
Thanks everyone for the inputs.
I sent Ricardo asking them to put me in contact with the 2nd bidder, but did not hear from them yet. It seems the only the way to contact a bidder is through them.
As for the buyer, I will send him a final reminder citing a couple of articles from the code of obligations in addition to a big, fat, Xmas present-negative review that shall shine on his profile.
You don't need to ask Ricardo to offer your product to the other bidders.
Go in Mes ventes, go on the sold item and there will be two buttons, first one is Remettre en vente and below is Autre Encherisseurs. Click there and you will have an option which person to offer the item. Bear in mind most likely people will refuse, because they will suspect shill bidding.
Thanks V, very useful tip, never noticed it before.
Ricardo just answered me, as expected, one has to wait for 7 days before any action.
In order to help other buyers - just been caught out again .... our fault, as we didn't realise that if the vendor stipulates "shipping costs" even if you live within easy striking distance and could pick up the item, according to Ricardo one is duty bound to pay for the postage. Seems daft, but unless one specifically asks beforehand and if there is nothing mentioned about being able to collect, additional postage costs are valid. Live and learn eh?
Totally your fault for not asking and just assuming things.
The seller may have had the article somewhere else than he lives and had to send it either way. You could have had him ship it though, instead of collecting, to get your money's worth