GoDaddy Introduce Bidder IDs in Auctions

So we should start a GoDaddy Bidder ID thread now where we post all the Bidder ID's which we uncover and their modus operandum. Yes/No?

Keith said:

They’re afraid of transparency which will lead to lower sales results.

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Exactly— this is not bidder Ids that anyone can follow or check. It’s merely a way to say they did something without doing anything at all. Are you going to go back post auction and write down suspicious bidder numbers? Who has the time for that? They intentionally made it something you cannot actually remember unless you are a number genius.

It seems to me that if GoDaddy are to allow multiple accounts, which according to the reply they do, then they should for purposes of clarity insist that if for example a business has 10 GoDaddy auction accounts their unique codes would be
12345678-A, 12345678-B etc.
That is have the same unique number, but a letter to designate the different accounts in the code. This would readily allow one to make sure there was no shill bidding, etc.

I don't totally buy the arguments on why they are sticking with buyer1, etc. and then switching in the unique codes only after the auction is complete. It is true, that if we got to know that a certain code was for example a famous domain investor, that might influence other bids. But that happens for example in the NamesCon or any other live auction. I would prefer using the unique codes throughout.

Finally, someone above posted that they don't care that much because they never buy at more than $100 on GD auctions. I suspect that many feel the same. I wonder if there needs to be different procedures in place re auctions that reach some level, like $500 or $1000. I think at those levels people are much more concerned about being sure the process is fair and transparent.

Bob

There may be good reasons for having multiple accounts, for example to separate portfolios or set separate up client accounts etc. So registrars normally don't forbid this. But they sure must be tracking activity.

This is definitely not meant to be a sarcastic comment, or aimed at any individuals, but one thing I have noticed in this and other discussions around auctions and bidder identity is that many who say there should be complete transparency also use handles and lack of links in profile on NPs so their identity is hidden. Now I do see that these are two different things - bidding is a commercial process and it can be argued that greater transparency is needed, while some feel that on opinion boards they wish to remain anonymous. Online bullying and abuse are very much real things, and real identity make the possible consequences greater.

I think it just demonstrates that this is a complex issue though, and it probably makes sense for GD to proceed slowly and incrementally.

I have a hypothetical question. If an auction house insisted on full actual identity on view with bids, an individual name or company name, would you keep using the auction site (or even be more apt to use it)?

Bob

I still want full disclosure on the domain names the GD employees bid on.

Bob Hawkes said:

This is definitely not meant to be a sarcastic comment, or aimed at any individuals, but one thing I have noticed in this and other discussions around auctions and bidder identity is that many who say there should be complete transparency also use handles and lack of links in profile on NPs so their identity is hidden.

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Our handles are not that anonymous. With a bit of research you can often figure out the person, based on the domains they own, the information they disclose in their posts etc. And most importantly - our handles are constant (even if you have multiple accounts).
Other venues like SN, NJ show static (constant) bidder handles so you can track their activity, at least in the auctions in which you participate.

Bob Hawkes said:

I have a hypothetical question. If an auction house insisted on full actual identity on view with bids, an individual name or company name, would you keep using the auction site (or even be more apt to use it)?

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It's not necessary and could run afoul of privacy laws. I don't really perceive the added value.

Kate said:

Other venues like SN, NJ show static (constant) bidder handles so you can track their activity, at least in the auctions

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And that is my understanding what GD are implementing (or am I wrong?). The difference I guess is they are only showing them after an auction ends. I understand that some feel it is not enough.

You raise a good point re privacy laws @Kate.

Bob

I posted some of the first screen shots and a little bit of info here for anyone interested!

https://www.namepros.com/threads/what-do-you-think-of-godaddys-new-post-auction-id.1131887/

Will it get rid of the non-payers?

Can I ask a ridiculously simple question? Where do I go to see the list of bidder unique IDs on an auction that has now ended. For example buttlerfly(net) was auctioned yesterday. Where do I find the IDs for it?

Bob Hawkes said:

Can I ask a ridiculously simple question? Where do I go to see the list of bidder unique IDs on an auction that has now ended. For example buttlerfly(net) was auctioned yesterday. Where do I find the IDs for it?

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I believe you have to be part of the auction, meaning one of the bidders, in which it will show under the "didn't win" tab.

So far the news isn't implemented yet? Or just on Godaddy India(unlikely for a particular region if it has been implemented in other regions)?

As on April 15, 2019 10:40AM IST

Does it even make a difference with anything?

Shaun Lun said:

So far the news isn't implemented yet? Or just on Godaddy India(unlikely for a particular region if it has been implemented in other regions)?

As on April 15, 2019 10:40AM IST

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As per GoDaddy, the bidder ID numbers will be made public AFTER the auction is ended and not in the running auction. This is nonsensical and worthless decision made by GoDaddy. They made nothing transparent but just to cover up the mess made inside their company by one of their employee, they introduced so-called transparent system.

AbdulBasit.com said:

AFTER the auction is ended...

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Right. I did not go through the whole article. But I agree that this does nothing. Bidder ID 652846 is as difficult to identify as Bidder 1. It's the same thing. Just as 2+2=4 and 3+1=4.

In case you like me had overlooked the link in @Ategy.com post above he makes clear how you see the unique IDs only for auctions that you were a part of. Also, not mentioned in original post, it turns out this is not only for auctions going forward but shows up for those from last few months. So get details in the link and also vote and discuss there. Thanks for researched example and great thread @Ategy.com.

Ategy.com said:

I posted some of the first screen shots and a little bit of info here for anyone interested!

https://www.namepros.com/threads/what-do-you-think-of-godaddys-new-post-auction-id.1131887/

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Voted. Good but need more.

solution = don't use godaddy auctions!

Cheers
Corey

Even same bidder could use another account to get the new number and bid again but it is a step.

https://twitter.com/DomainKing/status/1122138685988909056

Nothing has really changed.

I have noticed something I don't understand, since last month that I have been active on godaddy auction, I noticed a particular bidder with thesame ID always bid immediately I bid on a domain.
I always wait till the last 2 mins before placing my bid and most times I always seems the only bidder. But this particular bidder with that same ID always wait for me to bid before he will place a bid.

Sometimes I willingly let the name go without bidding on it and he too will let it pass,funny.
It is like the bidder is monitoring my every activity on godaddy auction. I didn't take it serious for some time but now I have started taking screenshots of those bids and he is always in it sometimes winning the auction.

Why does he always wait for me to place bid, I have even tested him by placing a bid on ridiculous name and here you will see him bidding on it immediately

Or could it be that someone had attached a bot to my auction, sounds ridiculous I know

Or is godaddy always trying to mock up the price as usual?

It is frustrating, please help me

Tunababa8v said:

Why does he always wait for me to place bid

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I would think most likely explanation is one of the big holding places has a bot that is placing the bid in response to your bid.

Bob Hawkes said:

I would think most likely explanation is one of the big holding places has a bot that is placing the bid in response to your bid.

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How do I get them off my back?

Tunababa8v said:

How do I get them off my back?

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I think they are on many people's backs and you probably can't other than fast Internet and bid as late as possible. Others that do many auctions can maybe suggest more.