: Speaking of eBay, is it my imagination or are we seeing a lot
: more so-called auctions that have unrealistic / crazy-high
: opening prices?

: Maybe the idea is to avoid using a reserve (for which there is a
: fee), and even avoid dealing with bidders (assuming that there
: will be none). The eBay listing becomes some inexpensive
: advertising and the item is sold in a side-deal.

: Is this becoming much more common or is this just my imagination?

: Jeff

I think that people do their research more, so if they have - for example - a Viceroy they check what other ones are listed for and stick theirs in at the same $2,500 or $3,000. Viceroys with GFs tend to go for over $1,000, whatever the condition, if they are listed with a low starting price. A lot of auctions for interesting watches with low starting prices have a tendency to disappear, I suspect people make offers the sellers can't refuse. It's getting harder and harder to find bargains these days.