[John Brown]

I have noticed that quite often items with a high starting price or a reserve won't get even a single bid, while a like item with no reserve and a low, low, low, starting price that is sure to sell often brings more in the end than the opening price of the same item with a high starting price or a reserve. Ideally, if you just want an "appraisal", start with a ridiculously opening bid to start the action and a high reserve.