e-bay bidding against other forum members

[Requiem]

I have never placed a bid on e-bay, and I think I'll not do it soon, but I've been noticing that several new and enthusiastical members have been biding against each other on e-bay.

Probably my idea denies market logic, but I guess it would be better for our little forum community if bidding among members was reduced. Probably, when one member gets a pipe from e-bay, he will not be so eager to bid on another one for some time... so, if member A (looking for a cheap pipe) bids with no oposition for pipe X, member B (who is also looking for a cheap pipe) could also bid with no oposition for pipe Z.


It's just a suggestion, of course, and probably a ridiculous one... I even aknowledge it harms the spirit of e-bay auction, but... what if members agreed to place a bid leaving a sign? Like, placing bids for $xx,13 (13 cents (as an example) being a sign that the bid was placed by a puff member...

What do you think? I guess it is a stupid idea, but I felt like puking it out in here.


---- 10 minutes elapsed ----

Yeah, I've thought of it a little longer and it's a really stupid idea... I post it anyway just to get your reactions, if someone is willing to. It should, at least, provide an interesting debate on free-market vs. forum community solidarity vs. global pipe community.

[Bakoux]

Well, even thought I don't smoke pipes, I think it's a good idea... Save fellow puffers some money? Why not?

[gjcab09]

What's a little price-fixing among chums?

[MarkC]

Doesn't sound kosher to me, but maybe I'm just old fashioned...

[StufnPuf]

I thought it was a general rule not to bid against a fellow forum member if you know they are bidding.

[wrapper23]

Being intrigued, and bored, I searched through ebay rules for something pertaining to this... er, arrangement. Couldn't find a thing. I read the rules for sellers, also, since shill bidding is supreme in terms of "doing bad things" on ebay. This doesn't apply since shill bidding is knowing the seller and bidding to increase the bid amount

Let's say it's a live, physical auction in a B&M place. If two friends agreed that one wanted a certain item and the other a different item, would that be wrong?

Let's say ebay found out about this going on. My guess is...
1. the buyer would face suspension.

And if the seller found out about it (hey, shite happens)...
2. he/she could leave negative feedback and report it. See 1.

That's my .

[Mad Hatter]

That's a cool idea Gustavo but honestly I lack faith in other people's...... whatever. You know what I mean.

[scottw]

I think this is indeed a stupid idea. Should I not buy cigars on Cbid because there is a liklihood of someone on one of the 4 forums I am on is bidding for them? I like everyone here and on other forums but that doesn't dicate what I spend my money on and when.

PS, I know this is the pipe forum and I am not a piper but this was my two cents on the subject for what it's worth..............probably all of two cents. :-)

[cp478]

I don't think it is really a big problem. What does make me mad is when you are say mentioning a pipe that you like and are watching and another member cuts your throat on purpose knowing full well he is doing it.

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

[bfox]

I don't think there is a way of giving a sign but I like where you are coming from !

Bill

[eyesack]

Meh, the way I see it, is if I don't win the auction, I wasn't supposed to have the item! And if I see another member here win it, then it's got a good home, and I'd be happy for them. I recently have been bidding on laptops, not winning any of them, but that doesn't mean I won't when the time's right.

I don't mean to be blunt or harsh, but I think that your idea is idealistic at best. IDK though, give it a shot, you never know until you try!

[Mad Hatter]

Originally Posted by cp478

I don't think it is really a big problem. What does make me mad is when you are say mentioning a pipe that you like and are watching and another member cuts your throat on purpose knowing full well he is doing it.

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Yeah, that's kind of what I was saying..................

[scottw]

Originally Posted by cp478

I don't think it is really a big problem. What does make me mad is when you are say mentioning a pipe that you like and are watching and another member cuts your throat on purpose knowing full well he is doing it.

YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

I must agree that this behavior has a mildly douchy odor to it.

[Esoteric]

Also, never underestimate the appearance of a dark horse bidder that rides in from nowhere and has no affiliation with any board. If the price is left low, it would probably urge someone to pull the trigger if they were not sure.

[bigkev77]

All's fair in love, war, and ebay bidding.