Klarinet Archive - Posting 000040.txt from 2002/05

From: Ed Wojtowicz <ewoj@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Bad behavior on eBay auctions
Date: Thu, 2 May 2002 23:28:56 -0400

I know exactly what you are talking about. I have lost out on some items
where there are 5 (or more) new bids in the last minute of the auction. I
have seen auctions where the wining bid came in less than 10 seconds before
the close.

Maybe they should put in some type of system that would automatically extend
the auction when there is a flurry of activity of this type. This would give
any serious bidders an opportunity to get their bid in. I would think that
bidders would be happy, sellers get more money, ebay gets higher commission,
so it is good all around.

Good Luck,
Ed

> From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
> Subject: [kl] Bad behavior on eBay auctions
>
> I just sent this e-mail to eBay, reporting what I consider actions of very
> dubious morality:
>
> <<I want to report some behavior which will, if it continues, stop me from
> buying on eBay.
>
> Twice in recent auctions, I was out bid, in the last 20 seconds of the
> auction, by someone who had never bid before.
>
> By the time one notices this, even when hitting the F5 key repeatedly, to
> refresh the screen every 5 seconds or so. It is too late to bid again.
>
> Surely this is NOT what was intended when your service was put into place. A
> real auction has a "going, going, Gone" warning for serious bidders.
>
> This lurking behavior, bidding only in the last few seconds, I view as
> immoral, dishonest and disgusting.
>
> I think that eBay needs to find a way to block this kind of behavior.
>
> Walter Grabner
> 991 Wildwood Lane
> Highland Park, IL 60035
> 847.266.8644>>
>
> I know some people think this is smart or clever behavior, but it is really
> p*****g ne off! Has anyone else had this experience, and if so, what have you
> done?
>
> Walter
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>

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