Ya know, I think Ebay's missing the boat

lathmach · May 20, 2006 4:17AM

They have the watching feature on the auctions, so you can keep an eye on the items you're interested in, but only the sellers can see the number of watchers.
Now if they opened this up with numbers visible to everyone, like they have with the counters of people thats viewed the auction, the auctions prices would probably go up.
If there were many watchers, the bidders would think there was a lot of interest in the item and increase the amount that they'd have normally bid, raising the price, and generating more revenue for the sellers and Ebay.
This of course is only my opinion.
I have 75 to a 100 items on my watch list, myself, but many times it's only curiosity concerning what the crazy coin collectors are paying for certain items.
It's human nature to be competitive, and most bidders will think the watchers are laying back in the weeds waiting to snipe the auction.
Hmmmm.
Does Ebay pay for suggestions on how they can increase revenues?
Comments?

Ray

Barndog · May 20, 2006 4:19AM

I think you are right -- I believe many would upwardly adjust their bids for items with a larger than expected number of watchers for fear of being sniped.

topstuf · May 20, 2006 4:36AM

Nope. It would be far more likely to discourage the average bidder who would just give up instead of bidding a billion to be safe.

jayboxx · May 20, 2006 4:49AM

I think it might help. Heritage does it and it doesn't negatively affect me

MrHalfDime · May 20, 2006 4:54AM

Lathmach:

As a buyer (only) on eBay, how about we keep this great idea of yours our little secret. I don't need any more reasons for my competition raising their bids.