[GreenKeys] eBay

[tony j. podrasky]

Richard wrote:
> "sniping" (as in sniper rifle, not the snipe bird) is the practice of
> using a program or service that automatically bids on an item just a
> few seconds before the close of the auction.  You give the
> program/service your ebay credentials and the max bid you're willing
> to place on the item and it places this bid just seconds before the
> auction closes.
> 

Thanx for the explanation, Richard.

I feel that "sniping" really doesn't affect me:

If I have (or will have) the luxury of being at the computer when the
end of the auction comes, I will sit and wait until the last 2 minutes.
Then I'll place my bid.

I feel that gives me a better chance to win because some people might
be planning on doing the same thing but get caught-up in doing something
else and forget about it. Also, it can help cut down on the bidding wars.

In any case, (and as a response to the guy that asked for some ideas on
how to do eBaying), the main thing is to decide on how much you are willing
to spend for the thing - and then put in that bid. If the item goes for less
than your maximum bid, you'll save money. If it goes for more than your
maximum bid, well - you didn't want to pay more than your maximum bid
so you "break even" at that point.

One other comment (to the guy asking for ideas). Bidding wars can get
out of hand because of human nature. Two things can occur:

o sometimes [you] can run into a one-up-manship with another guy where
you keep bidding against each other and pretty soon you're no longer
bidding on something because you want it - but you're now bidding
because you refuse to be beaten by someone else. I did that once in
my early-days of eBaying.

o sometimes, in the above example, the other guy loses interest in
the item but decides he's gonna make you pay more than the item
is worth - and he's willing to keep upping the bid to a certain point
until he feels that you might stop bidding and then he'll get stuck
with the item.

UE,
W6ESE - tony
NNNN
ZCZC
-- 
Tony J. Podrasky | A HIGH TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS.
                  |
                  | Except for those with a big,
                  | gaping hole in their bottom.