On Ebay, what is to prevent a SELLER from bidding on their own product just to jack up the price?

Answer 1

Nothing.

Although sellers will normally use a huge varitey of other names to do it - such as "samsonbanjo" .

Bid shilling is a huge problem on Ebay, and it is incredibly hard to keep track of. If you think you know of it, report it (Ebay has a special "bid shilling" reporting form).

Answer 2

Yes! Some times friends or relative help each other out. Some times they help themselves out. Although it is against EBay's rules it does happen. Some people set up alternate accounts with Ebay and Pay Pal using a PO box as an address. They often bid on an item to keep it from selling lower than they like. One reason they do this is because they are assessed a %fee by EBAY for the amount they list an item for. The more they start bidding for the more they pay, the less the lesser they are assessed. Never click on "watch Item". The seller knows how many bidders are watching. It is best to bookmark the item and bid minutes before the bid ends. Often they will bid on there item with the alias and set an auto bid to move it up to their more favorable price.

Answer 3

You can't bid on an item with the same ID as the seller. People can bid using another account. This is called shill biddig and is illegal. People often get caught doing this and then are kicked off. I think the main way they get caught is that others report them to Ebay. If you suspect this, it can become obvious when the same ID always bids on anothers acutions. You should check into this when you are outbid and then the seller comes back and offers you the item. Sometimes the winning bidder just flaked out, but if they have a history of bids from that bidder, I would check it out.

Ebay really does have a pretty good member feedback system, but cheaters will always find a way to rip people off.

Answer 4

The only thing they can do to stop it is not allow you to register a new account with the same email address.

However, if you are silly enough to keep bidding on your own items and nothing else, people will see what is going on and report you and your eBay stay will be over.

I see it all the time and report it.

As for auction sniping, the first rule of eBay, never let anyone else have your password. You have no idea how secure those sniping sites are and there is no recourse if someone breaks into your account and lists and buys.

If you can bid yourself then it probably isn't worth buying.

Answer 5

It's too bad that there are people out there that stoop to this dishonesty. It is stealing!!! I wish there is a way to prevent this price-jacking. I do know that if there is a specific concern EBay will monitor the user and the seller for tracking purposes.

Answer 6

eBay is the largest online marketplace and one of the most popular ways to earn an income from home with a PC and internet connection. Selling on eBay is inexpensive and easy to start. Ebay has a number of tools for sellers to maximise sales. These are eBay Pulse, Hot items report, merchandising calendar. By sourcing products at a low price, you can increase your profit. Check out http://tinyurl.com/rygsh for more details.

Answer 7

it can be a problem. i know a group of people who act as bogus bidders on each others products to hike up the price. don't see that there is much that can be done.

You can't bid on your own product as your user id will be recognised and therefore you will be prevented from bidding on it.

Answer 8

Only way is not to bid until the last 30 seconds, there are many services on the net that will ensure that your bid is the very last bid! search for ebay sniper.

Answer 9

By sourcing products at a low price, you can increase your profit. Check out http://tinyurl.com/o4nhn for more details.

Answer 10

Nothing