I'm not 100% sure how the eBay fee structure works.. but are people using "shill" bidding as a way to get out of putting a reserve on something?
I know they charge 25.00 to put a reserve on an auction.. I think.. or maybe it's percentage thing?
so maybe this guy was trying to cheat the system, put it out there, put no reserve but he knew he'd not take less than $XXXX for it.. so he bid it up to that amount to "Skirt" the Fee structure?
not condoning, just trying to understand.
basically it comes down to this...if a collectable and somewhat valuable item comes on on eBay and you see the starting bid at 5.00, don't expect that you're going to get a deal.. Shill bidding, reserves, what ever you want to call it.. sellers will get the most they can out of their item typically.
now on the other hand.. I have 4-5 items listed on ebay,, yes they are collectable.. but I started the bidding at 5.00 and no reserve... some of the trays book for 200-400 dollars but I'm going to let the bidders decide what they can or want to pay... I may get 10.00 for them or several hundred.. we'll see.. and that is what is should be like..
Stepping down off the soapbox ..