eBay vrs42?

From: vrs <vrs_at_msn.com>
Date: Sun Feb 13 06:38:12 2005

> I've been pseudo following this thread, and can only state this...
>
> If I see an item on ebay that I'm interested in part of, I will definitely
> solocit other people to go in on it with me. Whether there are existing
> bidders or not.
>
> I may even contact someone who is already bidding on an item, and ask them
> for a split-up deal.
>
> If I see an item I half-way want, and I see a fellow listmember bidding on
> it, I often (but not always) will pass on bidding.
>
> I don't think this is even slightly unethical, and I hope no one thinks
less
> of me when I do it, as I will certainly in the future.

I don't have any problem with any of those behaviors, subject to what
amounts to the eBay proviso (that you aren't depriving the seller of revenue
from others).

For example, I think it is perfectly reasonable to decide to split a lot,
provided the price you and your friend offer for the lot is higher than
either of your bids would have been separately, and commensurate with your
opinion of the combined value to both of you.

If you and your friend decide to split the lot and keep your bid at the same
level, that would be problematic and smells of attempted price fixing to me.
Of course, you an your friend might still get the lower price on eBay, if no
other bidders show up. But at least you gave the seller a chance at "fair"
value for his stuff. (which in this case amounts to a chance for what you
would have really been willing to pay.)

What I have been objecting to is the possibility of buyers forming teams to
low-ball the bids, which I think is damaging to the supply chain (hence
foolish and unethical).

    Vince
Received on Sun Feb 13 2005 - 06:38:12 GMT

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