Read our full Invalid bid retraction policy for more details.
Policy overview
A bid is a binding contract that's active until an auction-style listing ends or you're outbid. Once you place a bid, you need to pay for the item if you're the winning bidder. You're not allowed to retract bids to manipulate the bidding process. As honest mistakes sometimes occur, you can only retract a bid if you accidentally bid the wrong amount. Retracting a bid for any other reason is considered an invalid bid retraction.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
It's only OK to retract a bid if:
- You accidentally enter the wrong amount, like entering $99.50 instead of $9.95. If you do, you need to enter the correct bid right away
- Information that significantly changed the item description was added after you placed your bid. For example, the seller added information about the item's features or condition
Also, the item must belong to a category that allows bid retractions.
Not allowed
Examples of when you can't retract a bid:
- You changed your mind about buying the item
- You only wanted one item but placed bids on multiple identical items. You should only bid on multiple items if you intend to buy all of them
- Bids on items listed in Trading Cards - opens in new window or tab categories can't be retracted. Instead, contact the seller and request that they cancel your bid. The decision of whether or not to cancel your bid is up to the discretion of the seller
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Why does eBay have this policy?
A bid is a binding contract between a buyer and a seller. It's important to honor this contract. Your bid affects how other buyers bid for an item and the item's final price.