Second Chance Offers are a very useful selling tool for many ebay members, and they also benefit buyers.  A second chance offer allows you to purchase the item you originally bid on even when you were outbid, thus it can be very good to think you can own the item at the price you were willing to pay!  This guide is dedicated to explaining the world of Second Chance Offers on Ebay Australia.

When Are They Used?
Sellers accross the country rely on Second Chance Offers each day.  They help business and are easy to use.  The main principal of a Second Chance Offer is that if an item sells for a reasonable price, and the seller has a duplicate item or the original buyer pulls out of the deal, the next highest bidder is offered the item at their Highest Bid Price.  For example, if a certain picture frame sells for  $22 and the seller has another one exactly the same, they can offer it to the second highest bidder at their highest bid, say $21.  This way, the seller has sold two items efficiently, and ebay receives double commission: thus all parties win- the buyers, seller, and Ebay.

The other reason a Second Chance Offer is used is in the instance where the highest bidder has pulled out of the transaction, usually because they have:
a) changed their mind,
b) spent their money elsewhere/ found something they like better OR
c) are not serious bidders to begin with.
In this case, a duplicate item may not exist but the original has not sold so the second highest bidder may be offered the item instead (so long as some sort of contact has been made between the original selling and buying party.)

Are They Safe?
The majority of times, Second Chance Offers ARE safe.  Just like buying anything on ebay, there is a chance something may go wrong- but remember this can happen in any transaction over the interenet or not!  99% of sellers are genuine and really will do everything they can to help you out, or to solve a problem.  For this reason, the majority of buyers will take up a Second Chance Offer, provided they have not spent money elsewhere.

There are a few simple ways to ensure your Second Chance Offer is genuine:

• Firstly, check your 'My Messages' section of 'My Ebay' for an email regarding the second chance offer.  If a message regarding that particular item is found, then the Secodn Chance has been offered over the Ebay website.  (It must have come from the account of the original seller)
• Check the feedback rating of the seller.  If they have completed over 50 transactions, chances are they are a very reliable, helpful and honest seller.  This is not always the case, but the sucess rate of transactions where the selling party is experienced is much greater than that of 0 feedback rating sellers.  Also, don't be turned away by the odd negative feedback provided there are many more positive ratings as well.  In some cases, feedback can be left under unreasonable circumstances and this is not the sellers fault.
• If the feedback rating is good, and you have received a message in you Ebay 'My Messages' page then you are pretty safe to accept the offer.  If you require any further information, contact the seller and they can provide you with any info you need.  If you are happy with their responce, accept the offer and enjoy!

So, the majority of cases where you receive a Second Chance Offer will be genuine.  It is only the small minority who will cheat the system and try and take advantage of buyers but if you complete the above steps and ensure the seller is helpful and reliable by emailing them, for example, your transaction shold go as well as a normal one!

For any further information regarding second chance offers, please visit the Ebay Help Page: 'Receiving a Second Chance Offer'

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