[Matt]

As stated previously, we don't know enough to say anything definitely, but I am certainly concerned by the anecdotal evidence I have seen, heard and that has been presented here. Taking Leon's comments about friends shill bidding on behalf of consignors and then simply not paying if they win and also considering certain houses don't have that issue, I wonder if the issue here is that certain houses don't chase after non-paying bidders and perhaps have earned reputations. If someone knows that they will be pursued by a house if they win and don't pay then it's unlikely they'd take the risk of shill bidding; alternatively if someone knows a certain house doesn't care if they don't pay, then that may encourage shill bidding.
I wonder what steps Goodwin and other houses take to cut down on the rash of non-paying bidders that effect them as compared to say, REA, which doesn't have an issue. Does Goodwin pursue legal action? Do they even block that bidders address/phone number from bidding in future auctions? While enabling bad bidders certainly seems less direct then an auctioneer himself shilling up the auction, I likewise find it objectionable as it is akin to putting the loaded gun in hand and pointing it in the right direction.