Thread: How would you bid on this theoretical auction?

This thread is not related to an actual auction nor will the razor pictured in this post be up for auction. WAIT, don't stop reading yet!

I've created this post because I'm interested, even fascinated by what makes each of us tick in why we bid or why we don't bid on auctions depending on how the auction is configured by the seller.

I'd appreciate any feedback as to what drives you to bid or not to bid.

Personally, I'm put off by high shipping charges in relation to the item being sold. Other than that, I decide on the max I'll bid (snipe); whether the item has a reserve, "high" starting bid, etc is really inconsequential to me.

I'd like to provide a visual theoretical example to give a framework and reference point for my following questions:

Assume for a moment that this Hess if it were in a real listing had as many pictures from as many angles as you'd like to see and a detailed description and shipping of $5 or free shipping.

Scenario #1: No reserve, starting bid of $20.
Scenario #2: No reserve, starting bid of $125.
Scenario #3: Reserve of $100, starting bid of $20.
Scenario #4: Reserve of $100, starting bid of $1.


With the above scenarios, assume that the maximum you'd pay for that razor was over the $100 reserve or the $125 starting bid.

Would any of the above three scenarios as structured cause you to pass on the auction completely? If so, why?

I'm interested in hearing all responses but most interested in hearing from anyone who is so turned off by a "high" reserve or a "high" starting bid that even though they'd pay more than the reserve or starting bid, either stop them from bidding.

Thanks for your input and I hope this was fun.

Chris L