Is there a shilling cartel?

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Posted By: T E

If a seller has a pattern of retractions by a multiple bidder, where it looks like the intent was to find out what the high bidder's actual high was, but the seller was excellent in all other aspects, I would be very cautious. You know the seller has a sleazy side to him/her. Set a number that you think is a good price, make your bid, and walk away. If you win, great, but under no circumstances, in the scenario I just outlined, would I get into a bidding war.

That is probably the best argument for a single snipe bid at closing. As a seller (easthamptonauctions), I hate snipes, but they do make me money!

If a seller has a clear pattern of retractions where it is obvious that shill bidding was going on, I'd steer clear.

Before you make a judgement, make sure there is a pattern, not just one or two events. I remember once a bidder bid an auction of mine up crazy high, then canceld their last bid, leaving someone else with the high bid at an inflated rate. I looked at the pattern of bids and I said, "Jeez, this looks like shill bidding- and it's my own auction!"

In answer to your title question, no, I don't think there are cartels, but obviously, sleazy types will find a way around the rules if they are so inclined. To me, it is really bad karma to do such things.