A CHEEKY eBay seller has warned Scots off buying his motorbike on the auction website, claiming they get too drunk to remember bidding.
The warning, which may have been slightly tongue-in-cheek, was added to user GDB926’s listings after someone failed to pay for a motorbike.
In his advert for a 1975 Moto Morini 350, GDB926, writes: “Sorry if the following offends — but this is the way I run this auction from now on. Any bids received from anyone who lives in Scotland will be deleted as I have had far too many drunken Scotsmen furiously bidding to buy on a Saturday night (but) when presented with a sales invoice on the Monday after cannot remember themselves bidding at all and refuse to pay. If that is the Scottish way of having a good Saturday night’s entertainment — keep it well north of our Border.”
When contacted by The National, GDB926 says he once won a Harley Davidson off a Rob in Angus, who then refused to take his money or sell him the bike. He also sold a Honda to a Scot who then did not pay him and claimed he was drunk.
Fellow motorbike enthusiast and The National reader Alasdair Johnson spotted the listing and complained to bosses at eBay.
The musician from ceilidh band Clachan Yell said he was insulted by GDB926’s post.
Mr Johnson said: “I complained to eBay because the guy’s refusal to accept bids from bidders resident in Scotland was seriously insulting.
“I would love to buy his bike but he would have deleted my bid because of where I live. I do have a serious collection of mostly Italian motorbikes so I say I am a connoisseur.
“I feel a bit sorry for him as he has closed off a big part of the market for his bikes. I suspect he is a Ukip voter. Nah. His taste in motorcycles does verge on the culturally advanced, but he is clearly upset about the very existence of Scotland.”
After Mr Johnson’s complaint, eBay took the listing down. GDB926, who has 100 per cent positive feedback, then relisted the bike with a slightly edited text. “Can arrange nationwide delivery. Scotland and Cornwall... Relisted (because of) another angry Scotsman trying to throw their weight around.”
Bidding under the influence, as drunk eBaying is sometimes known, has been the scourge of many drinker.
The internet is full of pages of people who have bought random goods off eBay after a few beers.
Buzzfeed community user Folieadeux once bought a life-size cardboard cut-out of Ed Miliband and gave the sellers her neighbour’s address “by accident”.
There are strict rules, with bids or purchases on eBay considered a contract, although users are allowed to contact the seller and explain the situation if they feel they have a legitimate reason for not buying the item. The official guidance says: “Many sellers are willing to work with you if you communicate with them openly and honestly.”
At the time of going to print, GDB926’s bike was at £510 with another five days left to bid.
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