[Lordstan]

I'm not a big auction house bidder, but from all the threads that I have read, I have to say, that outside of shill bidding accusations, it seems most of the complaints come from those who lost items. I don't remember seeing a lot of posts from those who won items, but feel they paid more because of a shill.

To me the answer is simple. If you don't like the rules of an auction don't bid. If no one bids, no one will consign to that house and the other auction houses whose rules are more acceptable to the whole will be successfull.
It appears that the addiction we all share trumps all. On one thread, you hear complaints then it seems the same person later on will post what they won in a subsequent auction from the same house. (Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying everyone does this, but it sure does seem that a whole lot of the group complain about auctions and then equal numbers post their winnings.) If they have great items, people will bid regardless of the rules.

Another interesting point I see, is how people bid. I think if everyone bid the most they are willing to pay right away, there would be no need for anger at the rules. It appears that all auction houses have some form of proxy bidding set up. If you're willing to pay $1000 for something then proxy bid $1000. If someone wins for $1100, even if it is a snipe, you can't be too upset, because you weren't willing to pay that for it. If you don't trust the auction house with your proxy bid then you either need to stay up until it closes or, perhaps more appropriately, you shouldn't give them your business.

Just my 2c.
Mark Velarde