private listing - bidder identity protected

[knee1964]

Can some one tell me why i see some auctions say private listing - bidder identity protected.

[pixiesen2012 · Accepted solution]

the seller has chosen to use the 'private listing' option

all bidders on private listings have their identity hidden and the item title is hidden on the feedback page

[john1297576]

This feature dates back many years to when full IDs were shown. It allowed buyers of embarrassing items to hide their purchases.

Now all IDs just show as a***b for example, soprivate auctions are not really needed.

Unfortunately some Private Sellers think they have to use them, BUT it is also abused by other sellers to hide shill bidding.

Shill bidding is very difficult to prove but by using a Private Listing even the suspicious signs in bidding history are hidden. Many buyers will avoid Private Auctions, or if bidding bid only once or as late in the auction as possible.

[knee1964]

Thanks John i did find it odd that you can not see who ells is bidding.Not sure what shill biding means but i guess its bidding on your own item. Thanks darren.

[profgaz]

Shill bidding, Yes bidding on your own items using another account to increase the price.