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Number: 2953
From: tasmaniac1
Date: Mon Jun 16, 2003  12:54 am
Subject: [ASC McLaren ] Re: How naive can I be?

Body:


--- In ascmclaren@yahoogroups.com, "InfoSysSec" <infosyssec@i...>
wrote:
> Private auctions do have a role, but even in the example you
provided it appears that the auctioneer is the one being protected
by shielding the bidders from external influences. And in a way it
is to eBay's benefit to help protect the auctioneers, since they are
where eBay makes the money.
>
> But let us take your example one step further.... two identical
90 McLaren's... same mileage, same condition, etc. One is up for
auction and the other is an 'interferer' trying to sell directly to
the auction bidders. In a scenario like that, given that both cars
are 'equal' than it is up to the bidder to decide which one is the
best bargain. If the 'interferer' offers his identical car for
$1000 less than what the current eBay bid is, than I don't think you
would think twice about checking out the other chaps vehicle.
>
> Take this to an extreme example, and let us say that vehicle on
eBay is a dog and listing at $4500 and the 'interferer' pops you an
email and offers up his car with half the mileage and in 100% better
shape for the same price... Again you would have to give it
serious consideration as a contender for your money.
>
> But in both of these examples, who is being cheated ? It is
actually eBay that is being done out of the commission they reap on
the end sale price of the auction.
>
> Now it is possible to say that the 'auctioneer' is the one being
cheated, because his 'bidders' are being stolen by
the 'interferer'. But is it the consumers role in life to pay a
higher price for a given item just so you don't offend an auctioneer.
>
> In the last scenario, we have an auction proceeding with a 'good'
vehicle, going at a 'good price'. The 'interferer' comes along
and offers a 'piece of crap' car. The odds are that the 'piece of
crap' car is not what the 'bidders' are looking for.... so no sale
will result for the 'interferer'. In that case the auction
proceeds to its normal conclusion and the sale is made.
>
> But I will fall back to my original position about the use of
Private Auctions being used to PREVENT people from warning the
potential bidders of a scam etc. The best example I can give you
are the 'electric' turbos being sold on eBay. Basically they take
a bilge fan from a boat ( retial value $19 ) and they post totally
bogus adverts on the auction claiming spectacular results and
massive performance gains. 99% of those auctions are run
privately... so that the 'suckers' can not be sent a warning from
the 'anti-electric-turbo' folks about the scam.
>
> Interestingly, even though eBay clearly knows that those 'electric
turbos' are an outright fraud, they have NEVER censored or closed
any of those auctions. The reason being that eBay is making their
commission on everyone of those fraudulent sales. eBay's loyalty
is to their own bottomline and the user be damned if he is
scammed. eBay's position is that 'caveat emptor' - buyer
beware. However eBay does not provide a means to warn the
potential 'suckers' that they are about to be scammed.
>
> Oh well... I have blathered. I like eBay and I have indeed been
fortunate enough to have engaged in 26 auctions where there was no
nonsense or trickery. I even bought my road pig ( whooops - road
warrior ) on eBay. But I have also been extremely vigilent about
the products I have looked at - and even more vigilent about the
people who were running the auctions by viewing their past history
on eBay.
>
> Marq

Wow you said a mouthful. Ok I said for instance you are the seller
not the consumer, no big deal. If you are trying to sell your car
and someone else solicites your potential buyers away from you then
you would be pissed. Now if you were a buyer and solicited a better
offer of course it means no big deal you are now benifiting. If it
is junk it means nothing cause you are not obligated. Now as far as
Ebay not providing a warning to potential buyers you are incorrect.
There is a feedback system. If a product is falsely advertised leave
bad feedback and contact the BBB if they are a Business. If the
person has no feedback that is the same as someone just going into
business there is no reputation built up and buyer beware. I found
so many hard to find items on Ebay from car brochures, to antiques,
nostalgic items, to ASC Mclarens. :o)

-Nick