[Rich Klein]

And of course, there is always the example of "Bid what you are comfortable with" and if you win at that price wonderful and if not, so be it.

That way you don't worry about "shill" bidding and you are fine with your bids as they are.

And frankly, since there is no real way to stop shill bidding, then accept the issue and move on.

I know that means you might spend more money than you hoped, but in that case, revert back to the 1st sentence of this post. What a "shiller" wants you to do, is get caught up in the auction and go past your max bid.

That's why, in at least certain auctions, it behooves one to make their bids and then if they win or lose at their prices. That is also true for some catalog auctions -- some close lots individually if you are the only bidder going into extended time and others open up the whole auction if you have bid.

Look at those auction rules and again figure it out. As for EBay, if your bid comes in early and it holds, wonderful -- and if not well keep looking and you will find items at your price eventually.

Of course there is always an option of outright purchases as well if you feel the price is fair.

MOO

Rich