Kid left alone on computer bids $5,648 on Justin Bieber eBay sneaker

It may seem like he's only been famous for five minutes, but pop star Justin Bieber's army of fans already have a reputation for wreaking havoc. And it appears their powers aren't limited to screaming and forming stampeding mobs, but have now extended to online bidding.

Just ask Stratford Northwestern Secondary School of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. The school has been forced to re-auction a sneaker donated to the school by Bieber - a former pupil - after it was revealed the winner was a fan using her mother's account without permission.

According to reports, bids for the hallowed sneaker peaked at CA$12,400 (more than $12,700) during the two weeks it was for sale on eBay. In the end, bids settled at CA$5,500 (just over $5,648). Sadly, the winning bidder's belief in Bieber as an investment isn't matched by her mother.


Taking the 'unusual' memorabilia
markets by storm: Justin Bieber

eBay offered Stratford Northwestern two options: either give the shoe to the next highest bidder, or start again. After a decision that the latter option was fairer, eBay will be dropping by the school to make a presentation and stoke the publicity (or "help set up the sale").

In addition, eBay has agreed to waive its fees and restrictions that limited the first sale to within Canada. Now 'Beliebers' around the world will be able to get involved, making it especially ill-advised for parents to leave their children alone at a computer for the next two weeks.

The next Bieber sneaker auction begins on March 23 and will last seven days. The school also possesses the other shoe, but has chosen to keep hold of it for the time being.

Despite the last-minute complications, Stratford Northwestern's sale was brilliantly timed. It came just weeks after global media hype surrounding the online auctioning of Justin Bieber's hair. Bids for the hair started at just $10, before rocketing to an incredible $40,668.

The winning bidder was the Golden Palace Casino which is adding Bieber's hair to its travelling museum of "oddities."

What's more, Paul Fraser Collectibles spoke the casino's marketing director after the sale. He told us that the casino would have bid as high as $250,000 for the hair (and you can find out why in our special report).

For now, Justin Bieber will likely continue to take the unique memorabilia markets by storm. Watch this space for upcoming Justin Bieber-related collectibles news.

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