Picking in Online Auctions

[mjw1980]

I have been watching the online auctions and have been wondering. What makes someone choose a pig for several thousand dollars from an online auction with 1 picture. I understand that you can tell some things such as rib shape, bone size and muscle but what are people seeing extra. I am by no means a perfect judge but I can usually pick the better pigs in a set. Do they place a lot of emphasis on Pedigree or what the sellers comments are. I just don't get it. To me to pick a pig you need to see them in person so you can find those extra things besides muscle.

[Tdgross89]

Why do you assume they haven't gone and looked at the pigs before bidding?

[dolfan31]

I agree with Tdgross89 that many bidders have seen the pigs in person or have built a good relationship with the seller so that they trust what they are telling them about the lots. Personally I have bought a lot of pigs from online sales and I have either seen the pigs before hand or discussed them with a seller that I have built a trusting relationship with over the years.

[mjw1980]

I didn't assume anything, I was just trying to understand what I was missing and how people were making these decisions from pictures. Guess I just didn't have enough information. Thanks for the responses.