Mecum Auction

[GregWeld]

There would be no reason to do that... IF the reserve is met -- or is even close enough to get the seller to release the reserve.

Some people think that having phantom bids is akin to cheating. I don't think that way. Here's why.

If you only have one bidder - he's not going to buy the car because regardless of what he is WILLING to pay - he can't get there without someone to bid against (you can't raise your own bid).. thereby not hitting the reserve. So a friend in the pit - bumping along (to a point) is good - and the buyer CHOOSES to bid higher or not. Some say - "well he might have bought the car cheaper" - NO that isn't true - because if it doesn't break reserve - it isn't selling. I would NEVER advocate "running up" the bid... that's wrong. Once it's near the reserve or at it - no more bumping.