How do you know your fellow eBay bidder is not some lacky driving up the price?

Question

If i click on the other bidder i can't even find out what city or state they are from. How is anyone to know that they are not created to drive up the ending auction price?

Especially when they have 0 auctions won.

Answer 1

People actually use this method for more money. And unless you can track the accounts through possibly illegal matters, there is absolutely no way to tell. Just go find another auction.

Answer 2

You can't, really. Although you also don't know if it's just some newbie who doesn't quite get the concept. Going up against someone with 0 auctions won can sometimes be a crapshoot (they may overbid or they may be very susceptible to sniping).

To avoid this problem, have a definite maximum of what you're willing to pay for an item. You can either bid this up front or snipe at the end of the auction. But, if the price of the item is going for more than you are willing to pay for it (more than you think it's worth), just tell yourself that some other moron on eBay just overpaid for the item. And, if that type of item was on eBay once, there will be another one up there eventually.

One clue that someone is a shill (jacking up the price by making false bids) is that you lost the auction, and then you get an e-mail from the seller saying that the item is being relisted or they are giving you a second chance (the high bidder for some reason didn't actually purchase the item).

Always check the seller's history and ratings before bidding on an item. If you see any bad patterns or people are complaining about the same thing as you, go on to the next item/seller.

Answer 3

If they have 0 auctions won, and no feedback, I would be a little bit cautious. Especially if they have been registered for a long time, and have an extensive bidding history.

You can always report it to eBay, but often there is nothing they can do about it anyway, as they would clearly be registered under a different name, and email. The auction may also be cancelled if it is reported, and you will lose your item.
However, you can always wait until thelast minute to place a bid. Don;t get into a bidding war with anyone, regardless of whether you think they are legit or not. All this does is hike up the price, and you'll likely pay more. Just watch the item, then place the max you would be happy to pay at the ast minute. if you win you win, if you don't, I'm sure there will be another item up soon.

Answer 4

You don't. But if you choose not to match the bid, they get stuck with the item, or at least the fees involved, if it is their item. It happens, likely way too often, so just know the value of what you bid on, and don't go past it.

Answer 5

Basically you don't.
But they may be wondering the same about you.
You're not supposed to do that on Ebay but that doesn't mean that everyone sticks to the rules.
Just pick a price you are willing to pay and don't go above it.

Answer 6

I think that you should check their feedback. If they have excellent feedback and have good comments. Chances are they would not want to put that good standing in a spot for failure. I feel that Ebay does a good job in weeding out the scum. But if you happen to encounter one please report them immediately. Good Bidding.

Answer 7

you don't, they are another account of the auctioneer, report them both immediately and then call your local police department.

Answer 8

Actually, you are right! There is no way to know for sure :)

Answer 9

Because if you decide not to up it...they will have to pay.