Let me describe a hypothetical situation.

Let's say that chip collector "Smith" has been an occasional customer of chip dealer "Jones" over the past few years.

Should Smith continue to be a customer of Jones - now that Jones has begun routinely bidding against Smith in other eBay chip auctions?

One might argue that by continuing to be a customer of Jones, Smith is simply putting money in Jones' pocket - money that Jones is now using to bid against Smith - something clearly not in Smith's best interest.

Should Smith be comfortable having a simultaneous "client" and "competitor" relationship with Jones... or should it be one or the other?

I've been thinking about this one for awhile and I'd appreciate some opinions. I honestly can't decide if the case described is an example of a conflict of interest, or just an everyday eBay situation.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!