"Buyers are prohibited from communicating with each other with the purpose of manipulating the final purchase price of an item."
When the whole world with access to the internet can bid, how is this "Buyers communicating with each other" even considered? Is it even possible?
Rob, I think bringing this up is not very positive. Am I missing something here?
JC
Well, this certainly has gotten a life of it's own. I feel it's a topic worthy for discussion but I regret bringing it up in this thread. Perhaps Dave can switch this to another thread, I certainly didn't mean to throw "a turd in the punchbowl".
Jaycee, buyers can communicate with each other through email or telephone. Unless I misread Tom's post, this was an online auction on Gunbroker, not a live auction that three friends walked into together.
"It seems a GB seller had posted for sale a very seldom seen example of the SAC 20-bore A Grade ejector with Krupp barrels. This little gun is well-used and retains very little original finish; but was intact with original stocks. I immediately placed a bid; but it wasn't long before my bid was topped. I happened to recognize the second bidder's handle; it was forum member Ross Berck with whom I had communicated often regarding SAC guns. Considering it foolishness for Ross and I to be bidding against each other, I contacted Ross regarding my interest in the gun. Without ever being asked, Ross volunteered that he would not bid against me. I was thrilled at his generosity; but told him that my bid would be limited to a certain amount (far below the amount Ross said he was willing to bid); and to be sure and not hesitate to bid on the gun in the event my break-point was exceeded. Shortly afterwards I was contacted by another member of this forum, Harry Sanders, who also expressed interest in the gun. When I explained to Harry the above "game plan" Ross and I were endeavoring to execute, Harry generously volunteered not to bid. "
You have three potential bidders who came up with a
"game plan", obviously emails or phone calls were exchanged.
"Considering it foolishness for Ross and I to be bidding against each other, I contacted Ross regarding my interest in the gun." Foolish perhaps to bidders but not to the seller.
I appreciate the the sentiment behind not bidding against a friend, but the fact remains it is against the GB terms I posted above, and in live auctions it may be illegal, depending on where the auction takes place. I will grant you it's near impossible to enforce this at an auction but nonetheless it's still a violation. I once went to an auction of some antique Oriental carpets. I noticed a group of Middle Eastern men in conference and asked the auctioneer about them. I was told they were dealers forming a bidding ring, he explained to me how it worked. I asked if it was allowed and was told it was actually against the law but he couldn't prove anything so he let it go on.
I should have followed Yeti's advice and used a 2x4. As nice as the gesture was, it can get you banned from GB so probably not a good idea to broadcast it.
