Re: Shill Bidding (Are we getting hosed?) A New Experience?

["John W Rosa" <JohnRosa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: John McEwen <moparrr@xxxxxxx>

Here's an interesting coincidence.  Some of you will recall that I am 
searching for Barcelona medallions for my '78 Coupe.   I was notified 
by several attentive listers of a lot that was on eBay.  I 
subsequently bid on this lot.  With four hours to go I was the sole 
bidder at the opening bid price.

I watched the item for a while, then another bid was placed.  This 
was followed by  two more bids from another bidder, neither of which 
beat the second bidder.  By now, a considerable amount of money was 
on the table.  At this point, with about 10 minutes to go, I made a 
(in my opinion) very high bid - which failed to win.  I let the item 
go as I was not going to pay for three items when I needed only two 
of them - particularly as I considered the price too high.

Just now - some 4 hours after the sale, I've been offered a "Second 
Chance" at my too-high bid.

I'm not going to suggest that a shill was working on this but I have 
my suspicions.  The high bidder appears to be a dealer in old car 
bits as is the seller.

I'd like the opinions of the list.  Note that I have purposely not 
identified the seller, or the lot number - and don't wish to bring 
that information forward to the list in view of the legality of such 
a revelation.

John

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Sounds to me like this one may have been a shilling job.

However, if your 'too high' amount had won, this whole 
issue would be moot. You'd pay and take them, as you 
voluntarily chose to bid that high.

Now that they are offered to you at that price, you're
not sure if you want to take them (if I read you right).

If so, why did you ever bid that much? This is the self-
control aspect that gets bidders in trouble. The shilling 
did nothing but move the price toward your maximum (which 
I agree is dishonest).

MY suggestion: If the second chance came through the eBay 
site, and you want them, fine.....pay via PayPal so you 
have recourse to get your funds back if they never arrive 
or are worse than described.

If the offer was direct via Email, circumventing eBay's 
built-in 'Second Chance Offer' system, he may be trying 
to get your money with no intention of sending the items.

Check the sellers feedback carefully. Look at his completed 
auctions for the last 30 days and check the bid history 
for each...see if the same bidders bid on all his stuff.

If he seems clean, send a note back and suggest a lower 
price more in line with what you feel they are worth. BE 
COOL and NICE....don't accuse the seller. If he's OK with 
the new number, have him re-send a second chance offer 
with the lower number, then buy them. Everyone is happy.


John W Rosa

http://www.JavelinAMX.com