With all the scenarios you've listed this makes a strong point for RESERVES or a minimum bid NO LOWER than you are willing to sell the item for. Both of these types of auctions are not really auctions but sales since the seller is stating what he/she wants for the item. Of the two, I like the minimum bid option since both the seller and potential buyer do not have to waste time with low, rediculous (sp) offers. When I see a minimum, I evaluate if that's a good price and bid from there. Most of my ebay auctions are done this way. I open the bidding at the LOW price in the guides or slightly below what I think the item is worth. If someone buys it at that price, then that's what it's worth. If a few bid higher, then that's great for me as I received more than I thought I'd get for the chip. See how this is SO helpful to sellers......why you see items for auction rather than for sale...........

Steve