O.K. This may take some explaining in print, so bare with me...
At the Vectis Auction. The Auctioneer, would say, "I can start this at £5". (so you would think they had a proxy bid of at least £5) So anyone who raised their hand, the Auctioneer would say "£10" which would be the next bid along, but they didn't have the first bid!! so whom ever raised their hand should have been given the opening bid of £5, but this was not the case, and this happened with all the lots....
Great for the consignor, but not so good for the bidder.
My Brother and I both thought all bar two lots had sold, as they actually said on those two," I'll have to pass the lot". In actual fact almost 50% never sold as they were using this "Jump a bid up" trick.. it seemed like they sold, but unless someone actually bid, it hadn't, and bare in mind the higher priced lots they made more of a jump on.
Clear as Mud...