Posted By:
Steve Murray"On the cards you want, start the bidding at what you would pay. If someone tops it then oh well. If no one bids its yours."
Presume that if you are willing to pay $1,000 that you will list the card at $1,000. I'm not real thrilled with that.
How about telling the owner that you are willing to pay up to $1000 but would rather let the market dictate the price. Then list the card with a minimum opening bid and a Reserve of $1,050. Agree with the owner that if it doesn't meet the Reserve that you will buy the card for an average price between the high bid and the Reserve. If it meets reserve then the card would be sold to the highest bidder. Unfortunately that will not be you. On the other hand if it doesn't meet Reserve you will be able to purchase the card for less than the $1000 and that will be fair to both you and the owner.