It's Closing Night of a Great Vintage Auction

[Leon]

And you have your eye on a few things you really want. You know a few other collector-friends that go after the same stuff. Do you discuss it with them?

[Casey2296]

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If it is a collector friend where our interests overlap we probably have discussed it prior to the close of auction and decided who would go after it and who would lay off. We usually take turns on who gets the hammer, you get this one this time and I'll get the next one next time. One of the best parts of the hobby is helping each other with our collections.

Nothing worse than two friends running each other up if it can be avoided.
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[parkplace33]

I think it is safe to discuss auctions with anyone. Nothing (IMO) gets by any collector these days.

[Kco]

Typically yes, it avoids us running each other up for no beneficial reason. Typically there are some items each may be going "all out" for and those we all agree to let the other have it, then there are some items we all want but aren't in win-at-all-costs mode. It is more beneficial than hurtful 100% of the time. In a very small number of instances where 2 people equally want something then it's good ole fashioned who's willing to pay what mode and thats just fair market.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Buyer collusion technically is unlawful.

[Gorditadogg]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Buyer collusion technically is unlawful.

Then No, I never do.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Buyer collusion technically is unlawful.

Driving 56mph in a 55mph zone in unlawful too.

.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Buyer collusion technically is unlawful.

Glad you said it, I was biting my tongue.

Of course it's not the intent of the law to penalize a couple of buddies, but it has been prosecuted and recently when it is a true matter of collusion intended to depress the bidding artificially.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/nine-...osure-auctions

and there are others.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Buyer collusion technically is unlawful.

Then I have never once done it. Now if it wasn't illegal the answer would be yes all the time. I collect some silly rare items and knowing and talking with the other top collectors is usually a good thing I would imagine.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Buyer collusion technically is unlawful.

I'm guessing you're just bringing that up because there are some laws regarding that topic. I wasn't aware of that.

I've talked to hobby buddies that I know are looking for certain cards and I just refrain from bidding on those cards because I'd rather see my collecting buddy get it for a reasonable price. If there are other bidders, then they'll bid it up. It just wouldn't be me bidding it up. What's the harm in that? It's my choice.
It would be interesting to see someone try to prove that type of collusion.

I think I get it, but it's not like shill bidding.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

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If it is a collector friend where our interests overlap we probably have discussed it prior to the close of auction and decided who would go after it and who would lay off. We usually take turns on who gets the hammer, you get this one this time and I'll get the next one next time. One of the best parts of the hobby is helping each other with our collections.

Nothing worse than two friends running each other up if it can be avoided.
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Exceptions exist of course. If there is something on my "must have" (ridiculously short list) - all bets are off - would likely have the conversation anyway, expressing my interest and trying to get my friends to back off.

Most stuff I'm not that attached and as Phil said - take turns with guys I know going after it.

[brianp-beme]

I have decided to not vote in this poll, because by voting, I would ultimately affect the final outcome of the poll.

Brian

[UKCardGuy]

I don't think there's anything wrong with talking to friends where you have similar interests. If we're going to be going after the same lot, we'll probably still bid but sometimes the same card is available in different auctions. People might be inclined to choose another auction, if a friend is going to be bidding on an item and there are alternatives. IMO that's consumer choice...

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by Leon

And you have your eye on a few things you really want. You know a few other collector-friends that go after the same stuff. Do you discuss it with them?

If I really want the item(s) in question, no. I generally mute my phone, get some instrumental music playing, and go after the item(s) in isolation.

If the items are not on my want list, I have no problem discussing the auction with someone else.

Case in point - there's a non-sport auction ending next weekend. I have a friend who collects Spider-Man. I don't. I've made him aware of the auction and encouraged him to register. I have bids in the auction, just not on any of those items.

If I thought he and I would wind up bidding on the same things, I likely would not have brought it up.

[Leon]

I am pretty much the same way.

Interestingly, the poll is still almost 50/50 for yes and no....

Originally Posted by Eric72

If I really want the item(s) in question, no. I generally mute my phone, get some instrumental music playing, and go after the item(s) in isolation.

If the items are not on my want list, I have no problem discussing the auction with someone else.

Case in point - there's a non-sport auction ending next weekend. I have a friend who collects Spider-Man. I don't. I've made him aware of the auction and encouraged him to register. I have bids in the auction, just not on any of those items.

If I thought he and I would wind up bidding on the same things, I likely would not have brought it up.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Yes, Eric makes a good point. If I have no personal or financial interest in an auction listing and know someone who would, sure, I'll pass it on. I'm appreciative of the same, just as I could understand if someone wouldn't want to discuss something of mutual interest, and vice versa.