[Matt D]

A friend of mine is selling a frame online at Ebay.

Someone emailed him asking what his reserve was. Why would someone ask in the first place, and why should/shouldn't my friend disclose this information? What does he have to gain or loose?

Thanks

 

[binary visions]

The only point to a reserve is to get people started bidding who might be turned off if they knew the minimum price they'd have to pay. People are far more inclined to keep bidding on an item past what they're really willing to pay, then to start bidding on an item at that price point. So, if your buddy answers this guy, all he has to lose is this guy will make a decision - either put in a bid higher than the reserve, or forget about bidding. That's the only reason he's asking.

Personally, I always just set the minimum price I'm willing to accept as the starting bid. I'm not sure how many people do this, but I often just skip over items that have "Reserve not yet met" next to the price.

 

[Evel Monkey]

They're probably asking to see if he wants a ridiculous amount or not.
I usually just post my reserve in the auction. I figure I gain nothing by keeping the reserve "secret", it's just the minimum that I want. It also save me time by not answer everyone who asks what the reserve is.

 

[Ridemonkey]

You are not obligated to disclose the reserve price.

On the other hand, I think having a reserve on an item is BS.

 

[stosh]

Personally, I always just set the minimum price I'm willing to accept as the starting bid. I'm not sure how many people do this, but I often just skip over items that have "Reserve not yet met" next to the price.

Same here!

If I want something bad enough I'll ask the seller if there is more or less a buy now price so they dont' have to wait the time out for the auction.

 

[jimmydean]

I understand using a reserve and I've used one myself when I have a drop dead price. You pay less for a listing if you start the bidding at $1 than if you start the bidding at $500. But if you need to get at least $500 out of the frame, then a reserve is the way to go.

If I wouldn't pay more than say $500 for a frame listed with a reserve, then I ask the seller what the reserve price is. If they don't disclose it, then I may or may not bid. I have never kept my reserve secret, but some people choose to for whatever reason.