Once upon an e-bay time, there were no such things as 'watch lists'. If you saw something you fancied you put a bid on it. Plain and simple. Just a little bid, so that you were in there with a chance. Every day you would check to see if you were outbid. If you wanted to, you bid a little more. Then, just like now, you made sure you were by your computer for the final half hour to make sure the item on auction was yours. Ah, what fun.

Then e bay in it's wisdom introduced watch lists. This meant that instead of placing an early bid, you could just keep an eye on it until the last minute without any committment. Ever since that time, the fun seems to have gone out of e-bay auction shopping and I am certain that sales / values have declined.

Do you feel the same?

Many times I have had several watchers on items who, in the old days would have surely placed an early bid. Then, either because the auction end co-insided with a  favorite tv programme or football match, I have come away with an unsold items which, in the old days would have been a certain seller. Instead of it making me money it has cost me!

Plus, as a buyer, I don't want to be nannied by being 'reminded' a certain item is about to end - half the fun was making sure I remembered!

Furthermore, I believe the introduction of watch lists has actually had a deflatory effect on the price of items - particulary second hand, or 'vintage' things. Often such things are unique and the value is determined by the bidders.

If you want an end to watch lists please vote yes below. Lets return to real auctioning and have fun again!

Thanks for your time!

P.s. do take the time to read and rate my other guides - the one on car boot sales is particularly popular.