I would like to hear some pros and cons on having eBay auctions listed as 'private' instead of letters with asterisks for bidders identities. The ebay default at least in the US is a letter and two asterisks followed by a letter such as a**a. Sellers can elect to have a auctions where bidders are listed as 'private'. Does a private listing hinder bidding, encourage bidding, or ? I have seen some comments by eBay users that a private listing is a red flag and they move on. I would think it would be like a regular auction where you do not know who is bidding against you unless you see them nod or their hand goes up, otherwise you do not have a clue who is bidding. Any comments? Anyone list eBay auctions both ways and find more success with one or the other?