Bidders quickly become lethargic at an auction where commonplace items either have to meet a certain price or are not sold. It doesn't take long before it affects the entire sale.
Unless you are selling a high dollar item with a known value, you are much better off by allowing the market to establish the price.
I've sold literally thousands of items at auctions over the years, and have never put a reserve on anything, and have never had an item that didn't sell. Yes, I've been disappointed with things that brought ridiculous low prices, but when I look at the final settlement, I'm always more than satisfied.