Hi Alan,

Though I never read anything about eBay saying
they're concerned about sellers using a reserve
auction for the purpose of selling their lot in
order to not pay a commission, and I'm sure the
thought has entered their mind, they probably could
care less...otherwise they would simply not have a
reserve option and not charge that extra buck for
those who wish to list their lot with a reserve.
Legally, though, there's an agreement between eBay
and the seller, only, when the seller chooses to
purchase the service of eBay for a designated period
of time. Providing the seller adheres to eBay's
rules when and during listing an auction lot, eBay
has no control or any say, whatsoever, as to a
seller's intention...again: providing the seller
plays by the rules. Whatever reason the seller has
in listing their lot with a reserve (and there are
"several" <g>), should not be the concern of eBay or
anyone else for that matter. I know there are those
who feel anyone who uses a reserve should be shot on
the spot...and that's there problem, only, and not
the problem of the lister (unless he does get shot
<g>). Ebay is far ahead of us all with their rules,
and since it's their game, we need to play by those
rules or not play at all. BTW, I think if one would
study the majority of the World's biggest and most
elaborate auction catalogues, I think they will find
reserves are commonly used. I don't mind bidding on
a reserve auction because I know (most times) what
the market is and what my limit is. Now those who
may not know the market or not know what their
limits are and may have to rely on following others,
may have a problem and feel their time is being
waisted. I could understand, this, too. I know one
thing for sure regarding eBay within our collecting
interests, we are all learning much faster and
building on to our collections much faser,
too...and this is good.

JB