You can not tell a potential buyer from the number of watchers or viewers.
But the numbers of viewers will tell you how many people have
passed through your shop.
And the number of watchers will tell you how many people have
shown an interest in your particular auction.
These watchers may be buyers, and have tagged several auctions
before they decide from whom to buy.
These watchers may be buyers, and have tagged several auctions
with the idea to buy and sell on, because your cheaper,
and by buying your item they can sell for a profit and remove the competition.
I used to do this regularly on many auction sites.
As a retail manager, whether on line or on the highstreet,
the first thing your taught is know your enemy, or the competition.
At Woolworth's and William Hill we made a point of checking out
the competition, they new we were doing it and we new they were doing it.
We didn't hide it.
I agree that not all people will tag your auction with the purpose of buying.
But I believe from past experience that most watchers are potential buyers.
If an auction finishes without a sale, and I have a number of watches,
I must presume that my presentation is poor, the price may be to high, people are looking for ideas for Christmas, Birthdays etc
Maybe they would like it but just can't afford it right now,
maybe another auction was more appealing and they have bought the item their.
Or maybe the competition is checking me out.
Either way, knowing the number of watchers, lets me know people
are taking more than just a fleeting interest in my auctions.
And even if they are the competition, they may still be potential buyers.