posted on September 13, 2000 08:10:43 AM
I recently bid on several books which were grouped under a single listing. One of the books is somewhat rare, and I can only assume that the seller was unaware of this because the starting bid was fairly low and there was no reserve. Later, another bidder bid up to my proxy and one step beyond, thus becoming the high bidder but also exposing my proxy bid to the seller. A day later this bid was retracted. Meanwhile, a third bidder enters the picture and bids up to my proxy--EXACTLY--then goes no further, leaving me the high bidder at my proxy bid. Interestingly enough, the third bidder has no feedback or eBay activity whatsoever and an anonymous email account (@ hotmail.com). I realize that I could request a phone number for this bidder, but I'm not certain that this would reveal much to me. Does anyone know if I have any other recourse (e.g., is it possible to get an address or link to another email account?) other than cancelling my bids? Thanks.
posted on September 13, 2000 08:27:39 AM
You may be the victim of shilling. Or not. eBay allows you to pull contact info for eBay-related business. In my view, satisfying yourself that you were involved in an honest auction meets that criteria, and you would be justified in pulling the contact info for the seller and the two bidders. If you see anything there that indicates that the seller is likely related some way to either of the bidders, drop a line to SafeHarbor and ask them to investigate.
You can also look to see whether either bidder has bid only on seller's auctions (not conclusive, but telling); whether the bidder has won seller's auctions in the past but neither left feedback for the other (not conclusive but interesting); whether they have the same unusual ISP (not conclusive but telling). If bidder is also a seller, see whether they store their pics with the same host (not conclusive, but interesting); or in the same directory (pretty conclusive), or whether their PayPal buttons link to the same referral account at PayPal (conclusive).
If you find any smoke, lay it out for eBay, and let them handle it.
You can also retract your bid, leaving the possible shill bidder with the high bid, and see what happens as the auction nears closure (you're supposed to have a good reason for the retraction). If he retracts, you may be able to sneak in a low bid. Not recommended unless you're sure you're being shilled.
posted on September 13, 2000 08:39:16 AM
I would do a bidder search on both of the other bidders to see if you can find a pattern. Especially check to see if the retracted bidder has a history of that. If you feel uncomfortable with any of it, just retract your own bid.
When in doubt...back out! After the auction is over is too late.
*****************
That's Flunky Gerbiltush to you!
posted on September 13, 2000 08:46:38 AM
This is one of the disadvantages to putting your highest proxy bid on an item too soon. It leaves room for the shilling games.
I don't bid until the last half-day, less time for the games.
posted on September 13, 2000 09:04:22 AM
I would definitely retract ASAP, and rebid later at a lower price, especially if the second possible shill retracts after you do. If you retract in the auction, and the second "shill" isn't one of the seller's ID's, he may accuse you of bid shielding. It does sound suspiciously like a shill situation. As far as a "valid" reason for retraction, something like "suspicious bid pattern on this auction" would be reasonable. You may find that you receive a "don't bid on my auctions" email, though, since you've clued the seller in that you suspect shilling.
posted on September 13, 2000 10:33:59 AM
Thanks--everyone--for the advice. I think under the circumstances the best thing to do would be to pull out altogether. Once the cloud of suspicion darkens an auction, the bond of trust is broken, and you begin to question everything...the validity of the description, etc.; and in any case, no book is _ever_ a must have.
posted on September 13, 2000 11:12:11 AM
This situation is a good example of why many buyers, myself included, wait until the last minute to place a bid. You win some, you lose some by bidding this way, but at least you don't get shilled.
I think we will eventually see a modified 'esnipe' trend where many bidder will rely on a third party to bid for them at a designated time primarily in response to scenarios like this.
