There are more ways to screw over an auction than you can shake a stick at.
Auctioneers screw sellers and buyer, sometimes both.
I have seen many auctioneers buying while they auction,
And it's very bad practice. I would really not want to do it in their shoes.
At one time, the seller hired and paid for the auctioneer,
today they add buyers fees also. That makes the auctioneer an employed
aren't of both parties.
Conflict of interest?
If the auctioneer is buying, can you be sure he going to recognize
all bidders running up the price on "his" item? Or might he be inclined
to not acknowledge some?
If both parties are paying him, is it ethical to artificially affect
the price in anyway?
People like to get in the front of the crowd at auctions, they can see
better and are in the action.
I like the back. It's interesting to see if all bids are being acknowledged,
And if all bids taken actually happen. Auctioneers love the mystique
Of these real subtle bids people think are so cool. It makes their
unethical game so much easier. If they don't want to see a bid, they
have an excuse. If they are creating bids, people assume they just
missed seeing a subtle gesture.
Bet I have been accused of shilling at some auctions.
No patience for idiots or wasting my time, I often open bidding
Or jump in and push prices when people are gaming.
When a $700 gun isn't getting bids at $300 and they are dropping,
I jump in. Do these idiots really think that everyone is going to let
It drop to $50 and they will get it there? [bleep] no! Why waste time.
Never have I done that and ended up with the item for opening price.
It usually launches like a rocket.
