I've done my own tests with identical items and it sometimes helps to have a reserve. Alos, I read some university studies that suggested that a reserve on identical listings will statistically bring more $. The reason stated, is the perceived higher value. I really hate you have to pay more on ebay for listing fee's based on start price. Sometimes high priced item goes for a very low start bid and we lose money. I then sometimes put the reserve at the lowest I'll take and start at a low price, then it usually attracts a few more bidders as it's climbing towards the reserve, and the extra bids look like it's a sought after item and gives it credibility, as apposed to starting at the reserveprice which will show just one bid, which usually doesn't cause the same frenzy. Just my 2 cents worth, since I'm bored, and the site isn't completely functional!