Thumbpick,
When I have some spare cash to donate to Mudcat, I often go to the auction to see what's there. If it is something I want/need I bid up to the amount I have to donate. Sometimes an item goes for much more than its "real" value. When I donate items for auction, 100% goes to Mudcat and I pay the postage. It is a charity not a profit center for most of us. If I were to be in the market for a specific item, I would go to eBay.
Most here are cash poor. I am currently unemployed so there is very little free cash. If you are looking to auction an item and make money, eBay is probably a better choice. BUT let us know if you have an interesting item on eBay. You may find your high bidder here.
SINS