Does anyone know why a bid automatically stops offers & declines existing offers?

[wilful_3042]

I know it's the rules but why? It artificially keeps the price low & seems counterproductive, it's also pretty annoying. 

Why allow offers in the first place...

[plpmr]

You have a new account and I hope you enjoy your buying/selling.

However it is usually best not to make assumption, for example -

Because a member does not agree with you = “I take it you work for ebay?”. No, we are members just like you but with a wealth of experience and try to help others.

A very flawed assumption = “if you start your auction price at 5 & someone offers 15 but before you can accept someone bids the minimum ie 5 then that automatically keeps the price low”

To say that you must know the auction will end below 15 and many offers are made hoping to get the item cheaper because of the lack of competition.

[wilful_3042]

Hey I made no assumption because a member did not agree with me. No flawed assumption either, the chances of an auction going from 5 to 15 is 27%, allowing offers would increase that to 58% in favour of the seller.
That's a fact...

[pixiesen2012]

where on earth did you get those numbers?

that is no more 'fact' than Elvis is still alive!