eBay announced yesterday that it will shut down the Live Auctions part of its business. Live Auctions on eBay enabled members to bid on bricks and mortar or online-only auctions in real time. I often saw dolls auctioned on eBay in this format, but I was leery about purchasing dolls via eBay Live Auctions due to some reports I've had from readers of large buyer commissions and high shipping charges from some of the Live Auction dealers. It seems that eBay is shutting down this service to help them better focus on their core fixed price and auction business. If you are planning to attend a real bricks and mortar doll auction in the near future, you'll want to read my Tips For Surviving a Doll Auction.