Ebay, is this standard for the hobby?

[d2t]

Hi guys,
Haven't been collecting for a long while and looking to get into it

On ebay currently there is Klay Thompson Gold Standard patch numbered 7/10

Same card was sold by the same seller just prior?!

Current listing:
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/252794602849?_mwBanner=1

Previous listing:
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/252755857905

I know it's possible that the first buyer just didn't pay and had second thoughts, but I highly doubt it given the asking price is up substantially on the current listing

More likely the seller artificially tried to jack up the price of the card. Same seller username!

I hope this isn't normal for the hobby!

 

[Southnet]

Unfortunately yes you have to be careful of "shilling". Some sellers will use another account (often you can tell because the feedback numbers are very small) to bid on their item to push the price up, so if they don't get what they want they bid at the end to win the auction and then relist it. Basically you need to decide what you are willing to pay and only go up to that, as if you get into a bidding war you may end up paying above market as you aren't bidding against an actual buyer. Not sure it's a Card Hobby specific issue as I'm sure it happens with other items, do your research, only bid up to what you think/can afford and you avoid most issues.

 

[d2t]

Another example:

Current: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Keven-Du...160802?hash=item3f77c24822:g:UvMAAOSwo4pYf9mb

Previous: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Keven-Du...929612?hash=item3f73deeecc:g:UvMAAOSwo4pYf9mb

Same seller, 0 feedback

EDIT: Sold for $17 less the second time...justice served, unless it was him buying again of course