An eBay question

[giantrobot9000]

So a little while back, eBay changed their bidding policy so that only you and the seller can see your feedback or info when bidding. I have a problem with this, because, for example, right now I'm watching an auction, and there is a bidder who has appeared in the last 30 minutes with 0 feedback who appears to be shill bidding this up. I believe this new rule almost encourages this to happen.

Anyone else seen or experienced this? I mean, shill bidding is nothing new, but this rule, while on the surface seems to be for protecting both buyer and seller, seems to also benefit the seller and eBay the most. They can make more profit from higer sale prices if people continue to go through with the auction. I have my own limits, but you can see how this is frustrating! Thoughts?

[molly1984]

i never really thought about that. i kind of liked it because then it would prevent someone from bothering you and contacting you if they want the item that you won. i guess there is pros and cons to any change like that so the shill bidding aspect is a con.

[gatorboymike]

eBay claims to be staunchly against shill bidding, but a little thought reveals that shill bidding actually benefits them. After all, they make a percentage of the final sale price of the item. So, their natual incentive would be to allow shill bidding, and only take action against it when someone complains. And maybe not even then.

[beex215]

it doesnt always mean shill bidding.most people bid when the auctions timer is low.

[giantrobot9000]

it doesnt always mean shill bidding.most people bid when the auctions timer is low.

I'm talking about 0 feedback bidders. Shill bidders usually won't actually buy an item unless it's a mistake. The guy I was watching had bid on like 20-25 things within the past 2-3 days without buying anything......tell me THAT'S not fishy!

[giantrobot9000]

eBay claims to be staunchly against shill bidding, but a little thought reveals that shill bidding actually benefits them. After all, they make a percentage of the final sale price of the item. So, their natual incentive would be to allow shill bidding, and only take action against it when someone complains. And maybe not even then.

Exactly....that's what I'm getting at. The amount of times they can profit from it as opposed to the number of times someone catches on and complains probably works out in their favor.