I think people like to see lots of bids, so starting at $10 rather $50 and selling at $70, you'll see more bids. Personally I think it's a good thing for auctioneers to start really low because you usually have more people involved in the bidding which results in more competing against each other and driving up the price. If you start at $50 and you only have one bite after 15-20 seconds, most beginners won't bite because they think it's overpriced.