Posted By:
Dan MathewsonOnly The Seller can see the bidders identities, David.
The advantage here is that the Seller can sell fake garabge on eBay and many unsuspecting bidders will fall into it. An onlooker will not be able to warn them by contacting them and telling them the truth about the cardboard being sold (or whatever medium the garbage is made of).
For the Seller, a Private Auction can be like shooting fish in a barrel.