Bidding History

[cherylc1973]

Hi all and good eve 😊

Can anyone tell me why, in the bidding history of an item, some show the bidder as ‘Private Listing’ rather than the more common/recognised A***Z (first letter of seller etc)?

Thanks all in advance 😁

[corred]

@cherylc1973 

Because the seller of that item has it listed as a private listing

[cherylc1973]

Sorry to sound dumb, but what’s the difference/reason for listing something as private as opposed to public?
Thanks

[angelah1847]

When a seller is setting up a listing there is a tick box on the form 'make your listing private' Some sellers believe they have to tick that box if they're a private seller; some sellers tick it to 'hide' the bidding history and it can cover shill bidding (somebody purposely increasing the bidding to increase the selling price).

The real purpose of it is for sellers who sell for example personal hygiene products, items of a sensitive nature.

Sadly is it abused by some sellers 😞

[cherylc1973]

Thank you. I think that this particular seller is Shill Bidding as quite often, when the listing has ended, I get a second chance offer from them?
I’m contemplating what to do.
Thanks for explaining that to me 😊

[john1297576]

Avoid Private listings, they are misused to push the bidding up.

It is very difficult to prove Shill Bidding, but at least when you can see the bid history of the bidder you can see suspicious signs. With Private listings you can see nothing.

This is a something left over from before IDs were shown as a***b, and the complete ID was shown. Private Lisings could be used to sell embarrassing items such as Incontinence Pads witout the buyer being shown. Now it is not necessary as all IDs are hidden.

@cherylc1973 

[cherylc1973]

Thank you 😊
I know, I’m late responding 🤪
How can I tell it’s a Private Listing before bidding?
Thanks x