You can’t lower your maximum bid. Ebay doesn´t allow buyers to lower the maximum bids.
It´s simple auction rule, once you have bid, you are committed up to that amount and even if no one else bids, you will win for your current showing bid.
Does it mean, you can’t lower or cancel a bid as a buyer? Hmm… There is a way. You may be able to retract your bid.
Unfortunately, eBay is an auction platform and bidding is a form of contract. So, the buyer is permitted to retract bids in specific circumstances.
There is no easy way to do this, but in special cases, you can get eBay to manually do this for you.
If you find that you must cancel a bid on eBay, here’s what to do.
Requesting a Bid Cancellation
Step 1
Sign in to your eBay account. Find the auction you wish to cancel or lower your maximum bid. Write down the item number or highlight it with your mouse and press “Ctrl” and “C” on the keyboard to copy the highlighted text into your PC’s memory. Click on the seller’s member ID. On the seller’s My World profile, click “Contact member.”
Step 2
In the drop-down menu on the page, select the “Enter your item number“. Now enter the item number or press “Ctrl” and “P” to paste the number and click “Continue.”
Step 3
Now you have an opportunity to write a message to the seller. In the form that appears, explain your situation and ask to cancel your bid. Be honest and apologize for any inconvenience. The seller has to approve your request and may cancel your bid. If the seller refuses to cancel your bid, don’t worry, there is another way how to cancel the bid… You need to undergo a bid retraction with eBay.
Requesting a Bid Retraction
Step 1
Navigate to the eBay bid retraction form (link in Resources).
Step 2
Enter the item number or press “Ctrl” and “P” to paste the number, and choose your reason from the drop-down menu.
Step 3
Click “Retract bid.”
Step 4
Once the retraction is done, go back to the item page. Enter your new maximum bid amount and submit your bid. The new bid should be accepted as soon as possible after retraction.
NOTE: eBay will allow bid retraction requests only if you made a typing mistake and bid the incorrect amount. Other reasons are:
- The seller changed the description for the item after you bid on it,
- The new description reveals information that makes the item unwanted for you.
- You can’t get in touch with the seller.
Read Next:
Sources
eBay Help, Changing Your Maximum Bid
eBay Help, Changing or retracting your bid
eBay Help, Return an item for a refund
