It might be possible, but I would think that in this case there was no shill bidding involved.

17 bids total from 7 different bidders, does not look like shill bidding to me. Rather, people having a go and getting outbid is the more likely scenario.

As someone who was a business vendor on eBay for four years, I can tell you that they go to extreme lengths to protect their good name. They have very sophisticated tracking and tracing software and if any possible link can be found between bidder and vendor, the vendor will suffer. I know this from personal experience. It is just not worthwhile for the vendor. If you are caught the first time is a seven day ban, which can stretch to beyond 28 days. The second offence is a lifetime ban. And remember, they know your URL and your address and post code and bank details. You can't just start up another account. You have to move house and change your bank.

Worth it? I don't think so.

Regards

Chas