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Posted By: Tom Lawrie

I'm sure there is some shill bidding that goes on in private auctions, but for many it is probably a way to let bidders feel comfortable without everyone knowing that they are interested in an item. My guess is that every time Lew Lipset or Kevin Struss bids on an item, they have to contend with several individuals bidding against them just because others think the item must be nice (or rare). EBay makes it easy to find which items someone has bid on.

Plus, it keeps others from contacting the bidders for various purposes, either to try and sell other items off-line or to bitch about the seller.

This particular seller in question has pretty solid feedback, so I wouldn't be too concerned about shill bidding, which is the major problem I would foresee.

I do think your concern is valid for sellers who make a habit of selling altered stuff. The PSA and BRSZ's and others who sell PRO-graded cards, for example. You wouldn't be able to warn the bidders, after all.

Know your seller, that's all I have to say.

Tom