General E-bay Auction Question

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Posted By: Hagar Henderson

Why are the user IDs kept hidden on some auctions? I know this can shield the identity of shill bidders but is there a legitimate purpose for this as well? I'm really interested in something but the user IDs are hidden. Should I automatically be suspicious or should I go ahead and bid what I think is a fair price and let it be?

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Posted By: davidcycleback

Bidder ids are hidden on all eBay auctions. It's a recent change by eBay. It's true that hidden ids aids shillers, but at least you now know that it isn't the seller doing the hiding.

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Posted By: Hagar Henderson

Thanks, that's good to know that the seller isn't automatically doing something shady, but if I ever get into a bidding war, I'd like to at least be able to check out the person I'm bidding against.

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Posted By: davidcycleback

I don't like the new policy.