Mick,
You said what I tried to say so much clearer than I did. I have only been speaking English for about 48 years (I started around 2) - sometimes awkward my English is, and with words too many. :-)

Even if "informal auctions" are not embraced, they will occur. Even on ebay we see a "buy it now" price and a "make offer" option. How is that better, as the buyers have no idea at all of the other offers coming in? As I said yesterday, all one needs to do (if not here, then on the vintage FB page) is post a "considering selling" message and the informal auction is underway but with zero controls.

And nothing wrong with Darren's rules, except I agree that it does make it formal.

: I'd prefer totally informal transactions. In my eyes the usual sell
: ad with a price starts a reverse informal auction: the
: prospective buyer may always propose a lower price or better
: terms.

: Cheers,

: Mick