Can I retract a bid on an auction item?

Asked 6 months ago
Yes, a bidder on eBay UK can retract a bid under specific circumstances. The website allows bid retractions if the bidder has made an error, such as entering the wrong amount or if they have a genuine concern about the item, such as discovering it is misrepresented. However, it is important to note that bidders must act promptly and typically have a limited time frame within which to retract a bid. To retract a bid, bidders need to navigate to the auction item page and look for the option to retract their bid. They will be asked to provide a reason for the retraction, which helps eBay maintain the integrity of the bidding process. In general, retraction is not permitted if the auction is within the final twelve hours, so bidders should be vigilant and ensure they carefully check their offers before placing them. For more detailed guidance on this process, including the specific conditions under which a bid can be retracted, it may be beneficial to refer to the relevant sections of eBay UK’s help pages.
Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Answered Jun 14, 2025

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