Number of Watchers

Wouldn't that be nice, but then maybe not. Only the seller has access to that info.

Thanks for the reply, Rick.

Too bad, I think it would be nice .....

Oh well.

I guess nothing beats just snipping the highest price you're willing to pay and be done with it.

AW

Hmmm, well, as a seller maybe it might cut a little of my profit!

quote:

Originally posted by Mrs.M.:
Hmmm, well, as a seller maybe it might cut a little of my profit!

Oh, not necessarily. It’s possible that knowing the number of people watching would cause others to think there’s more interest, which could cause higher prices. There’s nothing quite like the motivation of wanting something that others want, even if you *really* don’t want it.

Also, some sellers might use multiple ID’s to artificially increase the number of watchers in the hope to increase bids.

quote:

I guess nothing beats just snipping the highest price you're willing to pay and be done with it.

Couldn’t agree more.

Well, you have a point there.

quote:

Also, some sellers might use multiple ID’s to artificially increase the number of watchers in the hope to increase bids.

Hmmm...I've heard of "shill" bidding, but "shill watching"?!?

If the counter is switched on then you'll get some sort of indication!

R2

Lol, it seems we always want a little more!

How do counters work? It doesn’t appear that they plant one of those dreaded cookies. And, are they very accurate (the counters, not the cookies)? It doesn’t appear to be the number of views, so there must be something more going on.

A counter is a graphic with a URL hosted on the counting server's site. When the user's browser loads the graphic, it sends a request for it to the counting server, which takes note of the unique code in the URL, records the hit, constructs the graphic and returns it to the browser.

Some of these services can provide you with a lot of detail, such as IP address of the user, what search terms they used to get to the page, whether they have a watch on the item, if they're a repeat visitor, etc. There might be some JavaScript code involved as well. I've currently got an auction going with a trial of one of these auction manager services, and the information is mind-boggling. If I sold a lot, I'd probably subscribe to it.

Thanks, Steve.

quote:

Originally posted by Jabbergah:
"shill watching"?!?

"shill posting"?!?