I don't think that it's a big deal...if collector "Smith" wants a chip and dealer "Jones" has it to sell, he'll buy it. It's also part of business and collecting that they may meet in the "eBay arena" bidding on the same chip -- and let the highest bidder win.

I do check who the bidders are because I don't like to run the price up...sometimes a fellow bidder will even check with me as to how seriously I want a chip -- not because they're afraid that I'll outbid them (because I usually don't), but they're just being courteous. And I will do the same.......on occassion. Steve B