Q: Can a online auction company reopen the auction after the hammer falls..telling customers after it was human error ..
I had bid on and won various items per their own statements to me via email..auction supposedly closed 230 am this past sunday.however it was reopened after error was discovered.but several bidders including my self had closed auction believing what we bid on has been won again per emails sent to me.invoice was sent for original bid but was retracted by auction company after we left their site at 230 am..again auction had a timer countdown and showed auction completed on each item as time expired and hammer fell on each item
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A:
It is highly unusual and potentially problematic for an online auction company to reopen an auction after the hammer has fallen and declare it was due to human error. Once an auction has concluded and items have been won by bidders, it is generally expected that the results are final. Reopening the auction after the fact can create confusion and undermine the integrity of the bidding process, as it may invalidate bids that were placed in good faith and won fair and square.
In your situation, where you received confirmation emails stating that you had won various items in the auction, it further complicates matters. These emails serve as documentation of the transactions and could potentially be used to contest any changes made by the auction company after the fact. It's important to review the terms and conditions of the auction platform to understand your rights and recourse in such situations, as they may outline procedures for addressing disputes or discrepancies.
If you feel that you have been unfairly treated or misled by the auction company's actions, you may want to consider reaching out to them directly to express your concerns and seek clarification. Additionally, you may want to explore options for recourse through legal channels or consumer protection agencies if you believe your rights as a bidder have been violated. Gathering evidence, such as screenshots of emails and documentation of bids placed, can strengthen your case if you decide to pursue further action.
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