Can I bid lower than starting bids on ebay?

What is the best way to offer to buy something after the ebay auction has ended with no bids?

• I was watching this ebay auction that ended yesterday with no bids. The item had a starting bid of $975. I sent an email today offering $1,200 including shipping. He replied and told me shipping would be $450 (large item) so I made an offer of $1300 including shipping ($850 purchase price and $450 shipping) I am waiting for his reply but I'm starting to wonder if he accepts it, how best to go about the transaction. I think I will ask him to re-list it so I can do the transaction on ebay to protect myself, but if he re-lists it for the lower price, there is a chance it could be purchased out from under me. Should I have him list it for say $1300 or "Make Offer" then I will just offer our agreed price? or should i just have him list it "Buy it Now" for our agreed price? A few more details: The seller does have 100% feedback but he does not accept paypal. He accepts cash, cashiers check, or money orders. Why would he not accept paypal?

• Answer:

  He can list it as a "Private" auction so only people he invites can buy. He must accept either Paypal or another electronic form as listed on eBay policy shown below: *** Our Accepted Payments policy helps ensure that buyers and sellers on eBay are offered safe, convenient payment options. For most categories, sellers need to offer one or more of the following electronic payment choices: PayPal ProPay Skrill Paymate Credit card or debit card processed through the seller's Internet merchant account Additionally, payment upon pickup and Bill Me Later are valid payment methods as well. Payment methods not allowed on eBay: For most categories, sellers can't ask buyers to: Send cash through the mail Send cash or money orders through instant, point-to-point cash transfer services (that are not banks) such as Western Union or MoneyGram Mail checks or money orders (except for items in categories specifically permitted below) Pay through bank-to-bank transfers (except for items in categories specifically permitted below) Pay by "topping off" a seller's prepaid credit or debit card Pay using online or other payment methods not specifically permitted in this policy ***** If he only accepts those, then it's possible someone hacked his account and is trying to scam you.