How do you become a private bidder on Ebay?

Jean, here's what I found about private auctions on eBay:
"Private Auctions:
Strictly hush, hush — use this auction to protect a buyer's privacy. Bidders' email addresses won't show up on the item or bidding-history screens.
When the auction is over, only the seller will know who bought the item. This option can't be used with Dutch Auctions."

I only found about six Private Auctions currently going on eBay and some of them were for racy stuff like fancy underware. At least one, though, is for a big-ticket item. I suppose some buyers don't like the spam that can come from bidding openly on eBay. And I guess any bidder can join in on the fun; his or her identity won't show on the bidding record or as high/winning bidder, that's all. I think sellers have to pay extra to make their auction private.

Thanks, Steve! A number of these "private" bidders were not for private auctions - the bidder just wanted to remain anonymous, as you said, to avoid spam, or perhaps to re-sale the item at their store. Any ideas?

Jean

(I can't believe I misspelled "underwear"!) Any suggestions about what, Jean? How to become a private bidder? I suggest you find something you like and putting a lowball bid on it to see if you qualify. You can always set up an AS snipe for more if you do.