Private Auctions On Ebay

I was prepared to bid on a handful of lots closing this evening on eBay- that is until I discovered these auctions are private auctions (all from the same seller). Buyers cannot see other buyers personal info anywhere on ebay, so there is no reason for private auctions. What personal info is protected by private auctions when none can be seen?

Can anyone here provide a philatelists perspective on a legitimate reason for a private auction on ebay?

Yes have seen the private auction setting on ebay but it does not attract me as a buyer or seller.

To me it has the look of a bricks and mortar auction where your bid is what shows not your name. Then as the auction takes place all that is known about the bidder is their number unless you know them.

Looks to me to be a personal choice matter.

I think it has been discussed here, prior.

As soon as I see it, I delete the link and fail to bid.
What I also do not understand, is "No Reserve" yet a minimum bid of say $85 before a bid is accepted.

Isn't the minimum bid just your establishing a reserve without your having to pay ebay's "reserve" fee, and without the chilling factor that an unknown reserve creates?

Hi Geoff,
I had to read that several times to get the gist,
ebay is not the only auction house doing that.

I often see "No Reserve" in the lot description, then further on say $4.85
If you place a bid below $4.85 the bid is not accepted.

Why not just say "Reserve $4.85"

Another odd one is the "Reverse Auction"