Another shill? You tell me.

[thehoodedcoder]

Hi

1) how would the seller know anything about the eBay user without them winning.

2) why wouldn't they just have a friend or neighbor schiller for them?

Kevin

[Runscott]

I know what type of response this is going to invite, but...

I'm still not seeing how this business model can work legitimately. Thinking about it as it applies to ebay, I'm also starting to wonder if I'm a bit naive when it comes to non-ebay auctions and consignor shill-bidding.

It's very obvious from reading some of the 'bidding stories' here, that bidders get caught up in the moment and bid more than they had planned (e.g-see underbidder post regarding the recent ebay Chicago Union Giants auction).

Certainly consignors are aware of the above, which is why shilling works. If consignor shilling is what makes the business model work, then the business is illegitimate.