AuctionCut

This person listed an item for the 7 days and I asked a question on it, the reply was the item is no longer for sale. This person apparently posted, then arranged a private sale. IMHO, I avoid doing any business with this seller.

Did they end the auction early or let it runs its course?

I don't really find anything wrong with that if they let the auciton run out.

Happens often. Just part of the process. No foul. When I list an auction and someone outside ebay wants to buy it, I sell it, end the auction and move on.