The first time it happened, BEFORE I was able to sell the item to the next highest bidder I had to open a case. Then there was a waiting period (7-10 days?) for the buyer to respond. Of course they didn't respond. So AFTER those 7-10 days I offered it to the next highest bidder, who responded right away but said "thanks for the offer, but I just purchased a similar one."

Ebay has become so PRO-buyer and ANTI-seller it is amazing that more big time sellers don't leave Ebay..