private listing - bidders' identities protected

[polly.the.cat]

 I just went to bid on an item, after bidding, l got this: private listing - bidders' identities protected, what does all this mean ?  The seller only had 97.4% and l was unable to see any Feedback. Can somebody explain please.  Thank you.

[twyngwyn]

http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/sell/private.html

[harley_babes_hoard]

it means don't buy from that seller.

97 % is not good

[padi*0409 · Accepted solution]

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@attic-case wrote:

 I just went to bid on an item, after bidding, l got this: private listing - bidders' identities protected, what does all this mean ?  The seller only had 97.4% and l was unable to see any Feedback. Can somebody explain please.  Thank you.

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Be aware of "private listings" they are normally used for high priced items or "sensitive" items, but as a buyer I tend to stay away from them because they can be easily manipulated by shill bidders and shonky sellers................. 

[polly.the.cat]

 Thank you all, l was bidding on a Australian Pre-Decimal Coin.  What you all have said makes sense. There could be "false" bidding to increase the price of the coin up.  Plenty more of the same coin available from un-hidden "sellers".   Thank you all. Great job. attic.

[padi*0409]

Hope you get a very fine coin off a seller that does not use that "private bidding" thing.................