ebay - private bidders....dodgy?

[joko]

why would a seller choose to hide the names of the people bidding on their items, and also hide the listings purchased by all their previous buyers on their feedback?

doesn't this just allow them to put in fake bids etc

what is the benefit to them? i don't mind my name being shown, yet even mine is listed as private so its not by request.

does this imply a dodgy seller to be avoided?

thanks

[Ethel]

As always, if you are not completely confident in the seller, avoid.

I would not buy from this kind of seller, unless he were selling 'personal' items such as incontinence pads.

You are right about it very easy to hide shill bidding.

[Catso]

It always makes me think twice, but it isn't necessarily good reason to avoid them. Have a look at their feedback.

There's not really an advantage for the seller, it's for the buyers: anonymity.

Yes, it would hide shill bidding, but a/ ebay prevents you bidding on your own stuff and b/ it's easy to make up a new account and shill bid, should anyone wish to.

Now, hiding feedback - another matter! I always shy away from them, yes.

[joko]

ah, i see.

this is not a sensitive item though, just an odrinary dvd, and the feed back itself is shown - just not the link to the item to go and see what its for...

i wanted to see if they all had the same names on their bid history, implying they are all bumping each others lots.