Caught this exchange on that site which cannot be named - this is how to shill a 1964 K in the open as a "helpful stranger."
Q: Some good news ! Your Kodiak is a 1964. The 1964 is considered by many as the best year of manufacture. Your bow appears to be a fine example and has a higher draw weight which is desireable to bowhunters/collectors. Be aware , you may be contacted by certain collectors that will bait you with "deals" on this bow. This bow should sell for a considerable sum ! The value on the 1964 Kodiaks has gone up considerably in recent years. If it were my bow I would consider keeping it as a future investment. Good luck with the auction and beware of offers that may not reflect the true value of this rare bow. Kodiaks like yours sell for upwards of $800.00 and frequently exceed the $1,000.00 mark. Regards, Buddy Jun-22-09
A: Buddy - I sure appreciate you coming up with a more experienced appraisal of what this bow is. I had no idea of its potential, but with the economy what it is I cannot invest in its future value. Thanks again - Ross
Gee, I wonder if "Buddy" can crank up this one! Gosh, poor ol Ross posts a "1964" postmark but is so "innocent" that he does not know anything about the bow. And poor ol' Ross also shows you how to link to a site to date Bear bows.
Hey Buddy, shill for me next!
Looks like they caught a few linkers...hook..line..and sinker
Yeah.
I love Buddy's "question."
Q - Hi, charge me more money. I won't ask you about the stress lines, or if you strung it backwards over your knee the last time you dry fired it. I only want to tell you to CHARGE ME MORE MONEY. Please, thank you, please, CHARGE ME MORE!!!!
How true, that BS worked apparently.
Caveat Emptor
2***6( 12) is the shill - he has 37% history with seller, and is bumping the bids in nice fat increments.
Yea...over 7 bills for a 64' that will get some 64's posted next week for the guys that are looking for a bargain with a flooded market..
Not sure if you do but when I even suspect something I use the "report this listing" button and turn them in.
I have yet to see the auction site do anything about the obvious shilling episodes that I've turned in.
More money for them in the long run, which makes them part of the racket.
The best way to combat the behavior is to be an informed buyer and avoid being caught up in the BS. Another one always comes along.
Looks like he switched shills for the home stretch.
e***n has 40% bid activity with this seller. Amazing what a group of friends that work together can get done.
Trap
Trap, You are probbably right on every point. I guess it makes me feel better. Fighting the good fight....didn't stop to consider what motive does **** have to stop this?! Great point.
You could always post a counterpoint "question" of your own along the lines of, "Q: $600 sounds a bit high to me. Most of what I have seen here for similar bows are around the $200 - $250 range that this one is currently getting. If you are planning on bidding on this use the xxxxxxxxxxx function of *bay, located here, to search past auctions."
That's a good one Snake...however, all questions are not posted so I guess the seller selects the ones to post.
Tony, your comments are right on since I thought the same thing when the bow was listed. What a scam!
Go one step further.....tell the seller that "Buddy" is not being truthful in order to keep the bids low. Those bows typically sell for $2000 or more.
That might be fun.
What is the item number?
120437863240
At least when the names of bidders was shown a shill was more obvious.
It must have been the box that was worth that much?
this guy must have watched our shill.
320392462981
Hmmm ...
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=002719
:bigsmyl:
those are better pics than the one on the site. might add some better pics and more description for that high a price.