In regard to the message from David Whalen, I was appalled. The practice of using a shill is unethical and probably illegal. An auction should not be artificially manipulated. It is an AUCTION. If you do not want to take a loss, set a reserve price. Your rationalization that people do not want to bid in a reserve auction is self-serving. What you are doing is setting a reserve without the buyer's knowledge. Do not try to justify your use of shills--auction items honestly and use a reserve price, if you must. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!