I have a different view about auctions to most people and think that all the stupid rules put in place, that everyone seems to ignore anyway, should be thrown away and it should basically be a free for all.
So what if the owner bids to get the price up, that doesn't mean that everyone else has to bid as well. If a stooge walks in, bids and wins, then surely that's his problem not the other bidders. The golden rule is to work out what your maximum price is and don't go over it. If the auctioneer and buyer keep bumping the price up just walk away to the next auction or don't try and buy at an auction.
So what if the owner bids to get the price up, that doesn't mean that everyone else has to bid as well. If a stooge walks in, bids and wins, then surely that's his problem not the other bidders. The golden rule is to work out what your maximum price is and don't go over it. If the auctioneer and buyer keep bumping the price up just walk away to the next auction or don't try and buy at an auction.