Oz Round Table

The Oz Round Table boards => The Round Table => Topic started by: Bellagina on April 26, 2009, 10:55:04 PM

Title: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on April 26, 2009, 10:55:04 PM
This is one of the topics that comes up fairly frequently on the old question board on eBay... so I thought I might start a thread / post a some information about the how tos of Second Chance Offers.

EBay states that if a second chance offer comes into your eBay message box, it can be considered a legitimate offer, I think you should still think carefully about the offer.

Is it an item that a seller is likely to have more than one of? For example, I sell Tupperware, so I often will have several of the same item.
However, there are some things that should always raise suspicion. For example, I bid on, and lost, and auction for a 2nd hand child's top. I received an offer from the seller within minutes, stating that they had another just like it. I suspect that they were shill bidding, unfortunately this happened early in my association with eBay, I wasn't aware of how to check this.

Would others care to add their knowledge to this?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on April 26, 2009, 10:58:49 PM
ebay really killed the majority of second chance offers, I think. They spooked a lot of people by going on about fake offers too much.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: stemschicky on April 26, 2009, 11:01:55 PM
I have had a few second chance offers offered to me, but I dont take them up......

I know that they are only asking for what my final bid was, but at the end of the day if I really wanted it I would have kept bidding.....

If I get outbid on something I tend to take my money and look for the next item that takes my fancy..
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: regulus* on April 26, 2009, 11:19:03 PM
I often accept second chance offers. Usually only from sellers I have bought from before.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Poison_Ivy on April 26, 2009, 11:22:02 PM
I have been offered second chance offers before, some I accept if it is something I really was after and some I don't.  

As a seller I have offered them out when I have a duplicate and I usually put a message in with the sco stating that I have duplicate if they are interested.

With regards to the second hand top, it certainly could be a little dubious, but then it may not as some parents do buy more than one, but from my own experience doing that I usually buy a different colour in the same style.   That could potentially look that way, but not necessarily be shonky.   But yes it could have been a shiller.

IMO since ebay put it out that most second chance offers may not be geniune, I found buyers weren't taking them up so I stopped offering them.   I theorised that it was so it would force us to create another auction or bin for the item, thus netting them more money in fees, just a theory.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: llama on April 26, 2009, 11:34:58 PM
Quote
EBay states that if a second chance offer comes into your eBay message box, it can be considered a legitimate offer

That is not quite correct, but a good start.

A REAL second chance offer is a "Buy Now" listing that is only visible you yourself, and the price will be exactly the same as your maximum bid on the previous auction. It can also only be offered by the original seller.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on April 27, 2009, 10:30:44 AM
I have been offered second chance offers before, some I accept if it is something I really was after and some I don't.  


That's an interesting statement Ivy, amuses me a little (been cheeky now!  :yess:). If you weren't really interested, why did you bid in the first place?  :please: don't  :slap: me.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Did647 on April 27, 2009, 12:20:46 PM
I've never had a genuine one. Should I feel neglected :(
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *CountessA* on April 27, 2009, 02:59:44 PM
Didi, we can form a club of People Who Have Never Received A Second Chance Offer. I'm in the same boat - I've never received one!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Poison_Ivy on April 27, 2009, 05:00:47 PM
I have been offered second chance offers before, some I accept if it is something I really was after and some I don't.  


That's an interesting statement Ivy, amuses me a little (been cheeky now!  :yess:). If you weren't really interested, why did you bid in the first place?  :please: don't  :slap: me.

Well Col (tis not a cheeky question, and I only slap if you ask nicely :D) I never bid on anything unless I am interested, the reason I don't automatically accept a second chance offer is usually as once I am outbid I will attempt to locate it from another seller and maybe bidding on another or found a BIN for that item.

Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on April 27, 2009, 08:49:17 PM
I've never had a genuine one. Should I feel neglected :(

I'll send you one if you like (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/simplyjewelry/Advertising/ShowLetter10-1.gif)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on April 27, 2009, 08:51:17 PM
I have been offered second chance offers before, some I accept if it is something I really was after and some I don't.  


That's an interesting statement Ivy, amuses me a little (been cheeky now!  :yess:). If you weren't really interested, why did you bid in the first place?  :please: don't  :slap: me.

Well Col (tis not a cheeky question, and I only slap if you ask nicely :D) I never bid on anything unless I am interested, the reason I don't automatically accept a second chance offer is usually as once I am outbid I will attempt to locate it from another seller and maybe bidding on another or found a BIN for that item.



 :chair: :yesmaster:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Numb! on April 27, 2009, 08:56:59 PM
I've sent them out.  Once sold 3 items off one listing, the original and two SCOs to the two closest underbidders.  All three were within about $5.

Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: brumbymg on April 27, 2009, 11:37:46 PM
I've only ever had one SCO - which I didn't take up.

It was a snipe that was beaten, so I was able to look at my maximum bid as the equivalent of a BIN.  As a snipe, I would have accepted it if my max was hit - that's the risk you take.

With a SCO you have the luxury of taking your time to review, what is, a set price - so the RISK of hitting your maximum is 100%.

It has been said: "When sniping, you should bid for a win and hope for a bargain, not bid for a bargain and hope for a win."

With the SCO, that "hope for a bargain" is zero.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: brumbymg on April 27, 2009, 11:45:33 PM
My seller friend recently listed an item starting at around $15, I think, wondering if there was going to be any interest. A bidding war pushed the price up to around $31. 

They were very happy.

A second chance offer would have netted over $60 total for goods they were anxious about starting at $15 each.

If there was no bidding war and they listed both items, it may have been two separate sales at opening.


It is easy to see how bidders could suspect shill bidding - but my seller's feedback is outstanding and has regular customers coming back for more.

In my opinion, you could remove over 90% of suspicion by getting rid of the hidden bidder ID rubbish.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on April 29, 2009, 09:07:13 PM
Brumby, I think you are right- at least with the buyers IDs there to be checked over, you could make an educated decision about taking up a SCO.

The way it is now, I find frustrating - as a seller I find my SCOs are rarely taken up, even though mine are all legitimate, as buyers are too afraid of shill bidding.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on April 29, 2009, 10:50:41 PM
Exactly, Bellagina, I do not accept second chance offers unless I can see from the sellers feedback that they have been selling multiples of the same item and I can see what the selling prices have been.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on April 30, 2009, 02:57:16 PM
Yep wheels,  the problem with it is that even using your method, you cannot be sure you are not falling victim to shill bidding - even with how eBay have things set up now, astute regulars are still uncovering sellers who have set up accounts to shill bid so as to increase their selling price to what they consider an acceptable level.      Hence very few take up my SCOs




 (Feel for poor me, who starts her listings at break even price, and so misses out on sales   :( *sigh*) 
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on April 30, 2009, 04:02:42 PM
Yep wheels,  the problem with it is that even using your method, you cannot be sure you are not falling victim to shill bidding - even with how eBay have things set up now, astute regulars are still uncovering sellers who have set up accounts to shill bid so as to increase their selling price to what they consider an acceptable level.      Hence very few take up my SCOs




 (Feel for poor me, who starts her listings at break even price, and so misses out on sales   :( *sigh*) 

Awww, Bellagina...........copping the flack of ebaymina
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on April 30, 2009, 10:48:50 PM
Hey Col, what happened to your avatar pic?? all I can see is a red x

;D
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on April 30, 2009, 10:49:57 PM
I can see it Bell

Or are you teasing him and I don't get the joke :)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on April 30, 2009, 11:02:22 PM
Ah now it is back again - probably my computer having another hissy fit.


Nah Prim, I wasn't telling fibs... honest!  :saint:

I'd never tease Col.... not me.... never....naha..... no way

 :evil:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on April 30, 2009, 11:03:15 PM
Should I remove my post before he sees it? :)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on April 30, 2009, 11:11:34 PM
Nahhhhh.... let it be Prim!   :evillaugh:




the posts make more sense if they are all there.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 05:35:28 PM
Hey Col, what happened to your avatar pic?? all I can see is a red x

;D

Still there, could have been maintenance on photobucket.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 05:36:37 PM
Ah now it is back again - probably my computer having another hissy fit.


Nah Prim, I wasn't telling fibs... honest!  :saint:

I'd never tease Col.... not me.... never....naha..... no way

 :evil:

Better not or I'll set woofy on your pussy!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 09:15:25 PM
*Ahhhhemmmm*

Mr Col, I do hope you are referring to the beautiful feline sleeping on my lap in my avatar..... :huh:

If not, I'm not sure where to look! :blush:





 :bounce:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:18:08 PM
 :devil:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:20:06 PM
Hi Col, Are you feeling better today?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 09:28:46 PM
It would seem so, prim!

I'd go so far to say that he is downright cheeky tonight! :evil: :crazy: :neener:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: imperfect on May 01, 2009, 09:31:34 PM
hehehehe :evil: that's our Col!!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:32:04 PM
Yes, he does seem perkier but someone needs to take those darn smileys away from him. He is suffering a bad case of smileyitis.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:32:27 PM
Hi Imp.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 09:40:47 PM
oooh look! I'm not a new knight anymore! I've been promoted to knight!!
YAY! :wine:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 09:43:55 PM
And you've got 2 stars now!  :yess:

Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:44:22 PM
Hi Col, Are you feeling better today?

Hello Prim, erm...................no!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:45:04 PM
 :rose: :wine: :praise:

For Bell Col, not you LOL

But... sorry to hear you are not better. Can you drown your sorrows and ails?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:46:02 PM
It would seem so, prim!

I'd go so far to say that he is downright cheeky tonight! :evil: :crazy: :neener:

 :o Me?  :violin:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:48:39 PM
Yes, he does seem perkier but someone needs to take those darn smileys away from him. He is suffering a bad case of smileyitis.

Who........................me?
What makes you say that?


























 :P :t2: :help: :blah: :yess: :green: :wine: :gossip: :lurk: :snipe: :throwpc: :kiss: :bounce: :ban: :stay: :ebaysign: :titanic: :angel: :petllama: :deadhorse: :tazdev: :chair:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:50:00 PM
:rose: :wine: :praise:

For Bell Col, not you LOL

But... sorry to hear you are not better. Can you drown your sorrows and ails?

Thanks Prim.................but is that nails (without the "n") or ales?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 09:50:15 PM
 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:52:04 PM
Drown his sorrows and ailments is the complete sentence :)

it is half cask 9 on the RT reunion thread
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 09:52:52 PM
Please, can we tone down the frivolity??


I've got a nasty cough, and every time I laugh, I end up having a coughing fit....

I nearly choked on that last one!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:54:37 PM
Gosh, eveyone is feeling poorly tonight. Sorry you are not well Bell :(
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:54:43 PM
Drown his sorrows and ailments is the complete sentence :)

it is half cask 9 on the RT reunion thread

LOL, I know what you meant Prim, just being...................well............you know!
Have to do something to distract myself!

Half cask nine, eh?  

I'm not allowed alchofrol  :(
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 09:55:39 PM
Please, can we tone down the frivolity??


I've got a nasty cough, and every time I laugh, I end up having a coughing fit....

I nearly choked on that last one!

 :( Poor Bell................on which one?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 09:57:23 PM
Don't go to the reunion thread Col, you can't afford the slaps.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:02:49 PM
Hello all,

Did you see I now have a pic?

I'm tempted to go to the Reunion and post a 'here's a Link' message to the last poster  :rofl:

I think this thread has gone a bit off-topic.  :professor:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 10:04:54 PM
Yes, he does seem perkier but someone needs to take those darn smileys away from him. He is suffering a bad case of smileyitis.

Who........................me?
What makes you say that?







 :P :t2: :help: :blah: :yess: :green: :wine: :gossip: :lurk: :snipe: :throwpc: :kiss: :bounce: :ban: :stay: :ebaysign: :titanic: :angel: :petllama: :deadhorse: :tazdev: :chair:

This one Prim... he just HAD to play with as many smileys as he could fit!! LOL
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:06:31 PM
It is a great picture Wheels and so appropriate. It reminds me of the sepia photos of my grandparents.

I would rather we left her refreshing, refreshing, refreshing waiting for a bite LOL
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 10:07:12 PM
Hello all,

Did you see I now have a pic?

I'm tempted to go to the Reunion and post a 'here's a Link' message to the last poster  :rofl:

I think this thread has gone a bit off-topic.  :professor:

Ahhh well Wheels, as the OP I guess it's my fault.....

but I keep giving Col a second chance to behave himself - does that count???
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:07:31 PM
Prim, took me a while to find something!

Col, have you done a smiley story board yet?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:08:07 PM
Don't go to the reunion thread Col, you can't afford the slaps.

 :(
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:08:52 PM
It is very appropriate but I can't see what is riding it. It looks like a chimpanzee
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:09:16 PM


I think this thread has gone a bit off-topic.  :professor:

 :o :slap: :slap: :slap:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:09:55 PM
 :o  :'(  NO!  It's my son!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:11:04 PM
 :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:  :roflmao:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:11:15 PM
Hello all,

Did you see I now have a pic?

I'm tempted to go to the Reunion and post a 'here's a Link' message to the last poster  :rofl:

I think this thread has gone a bit off-topic.  :professor:

Ahhh well Wheels, as the OP I guess it's my fault.....

but I keep giving Col a second chance to behave himself - does that count???

 :'( :alert: :fuzz: :professor: :blah: :neener:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:11:39 PM
Wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You bugga, you had me going. I had to put it in photoshop and enlarge it, all the while thinking God, how am I going to get out of this boo boo. True :)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:12:21 PM
Prim, took me a while to find something!

Col, have you done a smiley story board yet?

I did! You beat mine!!!!!  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:13:41 PM
Sorry (http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/wheels2spin/rose.gif)(http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/wheels2spin/rose.gif)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:14:09 PM
It is very appropriate but I can't see what is riding it. It looks like a chimpanzee

:o  :'(  NO!  It's my son!



 :roflmao: :roflmao: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:15:18 PM
LOL You have no idea how horrified I was, my heart sunk and I didn't know what to say to you. LOL
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:16:59 PM
Oh, Prim.............stop. I'm not well  :rofl:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:18:11 PM
It IS a chimp, on a vintage bicycle.

This is a real pic of my son  (http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/wheels2spin/cyclist-1.gif)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:19:06 PM
Ah, handsome young fellow, who does he take after mum or dad's side of the family?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:21:20 PM
I've never really thought about it. What do you think?

Me (http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/wheels2spin/bicycle-2.gif)

His father (http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/wheels2spin/Laie_cyclist.gif)

Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 01, 2009, 10:22:29 PM
Ah, handsome young fellow, who does he take after mum or dad's side of the family?

Who-oo-oo-oo---aahhhh---aahhh----knows
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:22:54 PM
He has your colouring and skinny legs but I am a bit worried about his choice of colour for his bike. Is he a happie chappie.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 01, 2009, 10:23:53 PM
I'd say he resembles both of you wheels....
:-X



 :angel:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:25:21 PM
No, he gets his bikes provided by sponsors!  :D  Just has to use whatever they provide. One year his racing outfit was candy striped purple, pink, orange and white. Not a good look! But, the company was trying to get exposure and he certainly did it for them. You couldn't miss him!
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 10:33:51 PM
Here's a quick pic. I'll remove it soon.

Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 10:44:48 PM
Wheels, thank you for showing me the photo. You must be an extremely proud mum, he looks great.

I was only teasing about the colour of the bike, it was the pink bike in the smilie I was referring to. Just jesting. :)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 01, 2009, 11:15:04 PM
And this is a shot from the rear  :D

(http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr342/wheels2spin/bicycle-1.gif)
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Primaryaim on May 01, 2009, 11:16:45 PM
That was a coffee spit moment LOL

OK Hands up, who filmed me :(
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 03, 2009, 04:32:15 PM
ok... i want this where I can find it again! ( front page)
 :evil:  :filenails:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: *wheels* on May 03, 2009, 05:08:06 PM
 :D Have you been a bit lost Bella?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 03, 2009, 06:08:42 PM
Bell, if you turn to your left, then turn to your left, turn to your left and finally.........turn to your left - you will find yourself






























- back where you were!

Was that any help?
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 03, 2009, 08:53:10 PM
Ummmm... now my left is    :huh:  ...????

Now you know my secret - I am directionally challenged..... :blush:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: col52 on May 03, 2009, 09:16:33 PM
Ummmm... now my left is    :huh:  ...????

Now you know my secret - I am directionally challenged..... :blush:

 :rofl: <----- is your left, or is it ------>

 :rofl:

 :help:
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: tommy.irene on May 05, 2009, 01:56:56 AM
I have had second chance offers ..i dont take then as i believe the sellers mates bid the item up
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: da_ewok on May 05, 2009, 06:52:21 AM
If tou beleive the items price has been bid up - then don't accept it

It was an auction and if you beleive the price is too high -then walk away

It is all reletive - how much was your maximum bid,, how much are you prepared to pay - and................ is it possible that the seller has more than one of the items avilable?

SOmetimes the seller uses second chance offers to avoid listing fees.

Personal choice if you choose to accept or not.
Title: Re: Second Chance Offer... is it legitimate?
Post by: Bellagina on May 05, 2009, 03:01:29 PM
Exactly Ewok, I use 2nd chance offers when I have more than one of the item, it has actually got into profit for me, and I can then avoid listing fees.
tommy.irene, you can always check a sellers past history and see who has won past auctions. A pattern of shill bidding soon becomes apparent.