I have been selling and buying on ebay and other auction sites since 1998. I also go to live auctions. There is shill bidding is in every type of auction, if the seller chooses to use the practice. It happens, but not all auction sellers, in fact I believe only a few use this tactic. The sellers who are afraid to list their item at the price they want, or use a reserve, these are the sellers who may use a shill bidder. "THE RESERVE STOPS SHILL BIDDING, most times! But most sellers do not want to pay the reserve fee (too bad it is a good tool). Private bids are B.S. The seller that says other people are emailing he bidders, thats why his auction are private, well that can no longer happen! On ebay you can no longer have access to bidders email, unless you are the seller of the item. ebay is a good place to buy and sell, and it can be safe. If you watch and learn, the feedback, and amount time the seller has been using ebay, is a key to safe and fun bidding. I have yet to be burned buying a ebay item. (knock on wood). Well thats my 2 cents worth!
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