[LVCamaro]

Erik; Relax for a minute. Bud apparently doesn't know you and I don't think he means to be confrontational. There have been sufficient eBay related flame jobs between forum members this week, so please don't repond until Bud has a chance to read this post. Some understood your reasoning and preference toward private auctions, while perhaps others did not. I'm an occasional eBay buyer and I've experienced the exact scenario you describe, so it's easy for me to understand your legitimate and logical reason for conducting a private auction. But, people will forever come down on both sides of that debate. I've e-talked to Bud a few times, so I hope he doesn't mind me jumping in here.

Bud; Like you, Erik is constantly on the hunt for cool authentic muscle car parts and memorabilia. He seems to have a feel for the more desirable stuff, and has several repeat customers that are sYc board members. Often times, unbeknownst to him, there may be several board members interested in purchasing his wares via eBay. Some board members have come to recognize another member's eBay handle, and are reluctant to knowingly bid against co-member [buddies]. Example: I'm looking for a set of XT-14s, but I won't bid against eBay member "clill" that noticed the auction before I did and placed a bid. I presume Charley is serious about wanting/needing them, otherwise he wouldn't have bid on them. Whether his interest is passive or keen, I'm uncomfortable bidding against him. Plus, if I call Charley to ask him, it puts one of us on the spot. He may only be willing to pay $200 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img] but they may be worth $275 to me. If a stranger wins the auction at $235...Charley loses, I lose and the eBay seller loses. If the auction was private...well, you get my drift. There's opinion on both sides of the fence, but I believe Erik is trying to avoid this exact situation, yet optimise the sale. If Erik owes your friend a phone call/email, I hope that happens soon.

Group hug guys! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

SS [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]