Shill bids? Can someone explain this?

[DanP]

I know this isn't a pre-war listing, but the question is a general one about shill bidding. Maybe I'm just paranoid because of my "buy highest sell lowest card buying" strategy! I was watching this card. It's already around almost $1k higher than the average last seven sales and still hasn't hit the reserve. I know the centering is nice, but? Do they think it is a 6.5 (under graded)?? Check out the 2 bidders. I don't think I'm "outing" any great deal here.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Dan

[Peter_Spaeth]

Bidder Information
Bidder: 0***i( 318)
Feedback: 100%Positive
Item description: Item Title: 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle (R) #253 PSA 6! TRUE ROOKIE!
Bids on this item: 2
30-Day Summary
Total bids: 65
Items bid on: 22
Bid activity (%) with this seller: 100%
Bid retractions: 0
Bid retractions (6 months): 0

[cavaliercards]

Underbidder ith 318 feedback is
Member id plewi003

Just keep an eye on it.

[FUBAR]

im guessing the reserve is 5K and if so, i would think a few of his buddies are bidding it up to the reserve, but not at or over so they don't have to actually buy it!

[DanP]

Originally Posted by FUBAR

im guessing the reserve is 5K and if so, i would think a few of his buddies are bidding it up to the reserve, but not at or over so they don't have to actually buy it!

Yes, I agree. It makes no sense otherwise. There's a just a nice PSA6 that ends tomorrow that hasn't even hit $3k yet. The price should be around $4k for each.

Thanks,
Dan