Belt Auction

Can I tell a bidder what my reserve price is in an eBay auction?

I recently got an email from a bidder asking me what my reserve price for an auction was. The reserve price is not currently met. Is it against eBay's terms of use to tell them?

Public Comments

1. That depends if it was a scam email or not. If not, I don't see why not to tell them. If they like the price they will bid and you get your item sold, thru eBay (so it's legal in eBay's eyes) if they don't like the price they go somewhere else, nobody's time wasted.
2. Its not against the rules, its just the seller is basically telling someone how little to pay.It may as well have been listed at a buy it now.In other words it keeps the sale price from being driven up which is the whole point of auctioning something off.
3. I've had people ask me what my reserve is and I've also asked other people what their reserve is. I do bidding for other people at times and have to know what to work with between the two parties.
4. "Is it against eBay's terms of use to tell them?" It is perfectly acceptable to tell your Reserve Price. In fact, it's a great idea. Next time you list with a reserve, put the amount right at the top in the Description. Bidders don't want to guess and often will ignore an item with a reserve. Even if it was a very desirable item; when I saw a reserve it was like bidding against the seller. It's tough enough against other bidders. YES, tell your Reserve; especially if you want to sell your item!!!