private listing

[spider-126]

I noticed when looking at bids at least one ebayer listed as 'private' how can this be done and what would be the reasoning

[franology · Accepted solution]

If this has happened on a listing where you are bidding then you have actually chosen (inadvertently) to bid on a private listing. The seller has ticked a box on the listing form which states that this is a private listing and bidders' identities are protected.

If you scroll down the listing you will find a statement to that effect on the left hand side, quite near the bottom. This statement is not very prominent - it's just in normal sized type.

The effect of this is that you can see your own ID but you can't see anyone else's. The seller can see all of them. Anyone who isn't bidding but looks at the listing can't see any of them.

You have to be able to see your own ID or you wouldn't know which was your bid!  If you sign out from eBay and then look at the listing you won't be able to find your bid. You'll just be one of the private bidders.

Sellers use this type of listing for varied reasons - some do it by accident because they don't notice that the private listing box is ticked. Some think their buyers prefer absolute privacy. Some do it because they think it's something to do with being a private seller. Some dishonest sellers use it to disguise shill bidding.