21 Jun 2007, 05:24
Well there are a number of factors. The biggest one is that people on Ebay prefer to bid. They feel more in control and a sense of satisfaction when they have won, beating out others. They also like to set their own terms as to what they want to pay and sometimes they will pay more just to beat out the "other guy".
Also, auction items are much easier to find than store items, of course.
Then there's the right place at the right time effect. Bidder 9 & 10 might have found that auction just as it was about to close.
I've had these things happen to me and it's best just not to think about it. :)
Jeff