[geeks] eBay question

[Patrick Giagnocavo]

On Sep 5, 2007, at 4:27 AM, Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:

> On Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 02:14:16AM -0400, Dan Sikorski wrote:
>> I would disagree.  Auctions are frequently used to liquidate an  
>> estate
>> or to quickly sell real estate.  Around here, school systems have
>> regular auctions.  An auction is appropriate whenever the market  
>> price
>> of an item is unclear, either due to scarcity or high demand.
>
> None of this is relevant. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong
> with an auction, or that there is no reason for it. I am complaining
> about advertising a minimum bid, which by definition is the lowest
> acceptable price, and then refusing to honor it.
>

Ah, that is the core of your argument, that the minimum bid is  
exactly equal to an offer to sell at a set price.

It isn't.

The owner of the item has the right to dispose of his property or  
not, as he sees fit.  In an auction, he sets the terms, since he is  
the one paying the auctioneer.

Don't like it? Don't bid. That is your only recourse.

--Patrick