Odd things going on on eBay?

Post by **Furrtiv** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:31 pm

Hm, I was pootling around eBay (as you do, mainly out of curiosity), ostensibly just looking, but with perhaps a view to buying a cheap second Minor as a daily runabout, and it seems that there are some odd things going on. For instance, almost every Minor up for sale, regardless of price or condition, has a high bid from users named either Bidder 1, Bidder 2 or Bidder 3 (mainly Bidder 2). Is it just me that finds this odd, or could it be a very brazen/obvious example of shill bidding?

Also, had my eye on a really cheap but relatively okay-looking saloon, going for two hundred, and silly me didn't put it on my watch list - now it's disappeared, and it had days to go! No reserve either and no bids, so I guess it went in a private sale, but I've messaged the seller just in case.

Think I'll refrain from bidding on anything Morris-related on eBay until normal service has resumed!

Post by **Welung666** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:35 pm

That is now normal service, it is done that way to protect the bidders ID. If you are the seller you can see the bidders real ID's. Have a read back through eBay's announcements and you'll find the message about it ;)

Post by **Furrtiv** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:38 pm

Ah, cheers, just seemed very odd to me, but then again I don't tend to check the announcements! Really should pay more attention!

A lot of nice, relatively cheap Minors on there, it's very tempting to nab one of the low-priced ones as long as it's got an MOT, think I'll go back and check later . . . the other half will groan, undoubtedly, but after the Peugeot and the cost of insuring that third party only, I'm thinking a little saloon for a daily runabout might be just the job, with the Traveller kept for longer trips or hauling big stuff around.

Post by **dunketh** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 4:58 pm

A lot of people pull their auctions if they don't get much interest or they think its not earning enough.
Its a bit like an un-official 'reserve' pricing method.
They make a a lame excuse like its been sold locally and then ebay it again a month later.

Still, thats all part of the twisted game that is 'e-bay'

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:20 pm

Nah...I pulled Rosie out the Ebay Auction on Saturday Night, as the highest bidder made me an offer for her, if I pulled her. The bidding was at £2,200.00 with one day to go. The car started the auction at £9.99. Had around 17 bids and some 60 plus watchers. So some of us that do it...have good reason to do so!
The only way she will end up back on Ebay is if the buyer does not turn up this Sunday for her.

Post by **Alec** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:50 pm

Hello Norrie,

I think that if you put it on E-bay you should let it run it's course, despite any offers. pulling it early is unfair on other bidders and you may even lose out yourself.
I see items with words to the effect that it is advertised elsewhere and may not run the duration of the auction? I would not bid on anything with such a statement.

Alec

Post by **aupickup** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 6:03 pm

should let them run the course, as the trend these days is to bid high within a few minutes of the auction ending

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 6:12 pm

Yep, buyers will often try offering a low price to end the auction early if they think it's going to go for more than they want to pay. My parents got several of those offers when they were selling their boat, but they let the auction run its course and it went for a lot more than they were expecting. The guy who bought it unseen drove several hundred miles to collect!

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 6:24 pm

Not always the case.....however, I do agree with both of you....but the car was there to be sold...and sold it is!! I got my original asking price for the car....I suppose I was too keen to get started on my next one, making me settle early. So its going to a good cause....getting another Minor on the road. With the buyer joining the Owners Club (clause in the condition of sale). But yes, I do agree with you all as far as letting it run its course. No doubt, the car would have maybe sold for more as I did have a load of emails asking me to name my price...and also offers of their classic plus cash difference.....but not one of the classics offered was a Minor...so I just could not accept their offers.

You lot are making me feel bad

Post by **aupickup** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:15 pm

wel i for one tend to put a lte bid on items, and i would not bid on an auction that states they may pull it off as it is advertised elsewhere.
and of course ebay does not like this kind of thing cos they lose out on the end of auction fees, so be careful doing this to many times.

well thats my veiw anyway
you put it on an auction soo it should run its course,or you would have advertised elsewhere, or if you want X £ for an item, then stick a reserve on

Post by **Packedup** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:08 pm

I'll sometimes see if the seller will end an auction early, but that's when I actually need the item early! 9 days left to go on something I need to have in my hands in the next 3 isn't all that useful...

I also tend to throw in my bids in literally the last minute. Means I get some bargains, and doesn't give me enough time to get into a bidding fury if there's a higher bid

Post by **Welung666** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:33 pm

When I brought Phoebe (my green 4 door) off eBay I offered the seller £400 to end the auction early, he politely declined so I bid as per usual and won her for £330

Just goes to show it works both ways sometimes ;)

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:36 pm

Thanks for that Lee, I was just about to throw my season ticket and scarf onto the touchline.

Post by **Alec** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:38 pm

Hello Lee,Norrie,

that is the way of auctions but either comply with the spirit and regulation or do not enter them.

Alec

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:47 pm

Hi Alec,

Okay, point taken...slap on the wrist!

But, as Lee say's it can go either.......however, before you answer me.....Point Taken!!! Have a nice day!