What is the purpose of a reserve price in an auction?

The purpose of a reserve price in an auction is to establish a minimum price that must be met for the item to be sold. If bidding does not reach or exceed this predetermined amount, the item will not be sold. This mechanism protects the seller, ensuring that they do not have to part with their item for less than what they consider its worth. The reserve price provides a safeguard against undervaluation, allowing sellers to maintain some control over the final sale price while still participating in the competitive nature of the auction. This is particularly important for items that hold significant value or for sellers who have specific price expectations.