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How to compete w/ snipers on eBay?

Posts: 255 Threads: 45

Hi All,

Need some advice on how to get around snipers on eBay. They place a high bid at sometime during the auction and then have it on a timer to kick in at the finale. DOH I held the high bid on an auction at the end (with lee way) and the final price shot up $50 after the clock ran out. I know this was a proxy bid, but I can't see it coming at all!

Why babysit an auction all the way when someone swoops in and grabs it at the buzzer? I can respect that if the bid shows, but these bids fall in w/out warning. Guess that gives good reason for a BIN price because it helps the seller, but it sure zaps the motivation out of bidders. This has to be the biggest pitfall of auction style format. Soap Box

Eager to hear similar stories and maybe some clever ideas to git around these rascals.

Currently working on a 7 piece virgin double bass 3 ply early 70's Ludwig kit to be wearing....MOD ORANGE.
Posted on 15 years ago
#1
Posts: 1463 Threads: 87

Part of the business. If you don't want to wait and snipe it yourself, then put a max bid for what you want to spend and wait to see if it wins. If someone bids more than your max, then they deserve to have it.

Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 351 Threads: 14

From wadsmoe

Eager to hear similar stories and maybe some clever ideas to git around these rascals.

Yawn. Pay more. That's why it's called an auction.

Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

There is also sniper software out there that can bid for you at the last millisecond. You don't even have to be around to **** people off!

I agree, though, that if you bid the most that you're willing to pay for something, and somebody outbids you, then it was never meant to be. I mean, they were willing to pay more for it than you were, right?

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 15 years ago
#4
Posts: 66 Threads: 13

From wadsmoe

Hi All,Need some advice on how to get around snipers on eBay. They place a high bid at sometime during the auction and then have it on a timer to kick in at the finale. DOH I held the high bid on an auction at the end (with lee way) and the final price shot up $50 after the clock ran out. I know this was a proxy bid, but I can't see it coming at all!Why babysit an auction all the way when someone swoops in and grabs it at the buzzer? I can respect that if the bid shows, but these bids fall in w/out warning. Guess that gives good reason for a BIN price because it helps the seller, but it sure zaps the motivation out of bidders. This has to be the biggest pitfall of auction style format. Soap BoxEager to hear similar stories and maybe some clever ideas to git around these rascals.

If you can't beat them, join them...you can use sniping software too. Even then you still have to enter a maximum amount you're willing to spend. Then it all comes down to who has the faster Internet connection.

Jeff

Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 50 Threads: 18

If ya can't beat 'em—and it sounds like ya can't—join 'em!

Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

I'm one of the snippers, and I don't use any software, I have a certain time i bid, and i either win it or lose it, but I would be happy to show you a house full of gear, that i have won with this method,, simply make up in your mind the high price you are going to pay and stick to it, Hurting

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96

From vintagemore2000

I'm one of the snippers, and I don't use any software, I have a certain time i bid, and i either win it or lose it, but I would be happy to show you a house full of gear, that i have won with this method,, simply make up in your mind the high price you are going to pay and stick to it, Hurting

I agree 100% i use a stop watch and i bid with just 2 seconds left and i win alot , but you have to know your your bottom line and be willing to bid it ..

Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 513 Threads: 102

I remember this topic a while back, and it was on the moral implications of sniping. The thing is, I've found that almost every auction I've entered has gone this way. If I know I'm not going to be around, I put the highest possible amount I'm willing to pay in, and wait. Sometimes I win, mostly not. If I am there, then yes, I will step in at the last minute, because that's the nature of auctions. I must admit though, the software problem does make it difficult for the rest of us.

Tama Superstar, 22, 22, 16, 14, 13 Desert Burst
Premier Genista, 22, 16, 13, 12 Black Lacquer
Premier Genista, 20, 14, 10 and snare Black Lacquer
Premier Resonator 22, 16, 14, 13 poly creme/black
Zickos 22, 16, 14, 13, clear acrylic and snare
Posted on 15 years ago
#9
Posts: 255 Threads: 45

From Snowdog

If you can't beat them, join them...you can use sniping software too. Even then you still have to enter a maximum amount you're willing to spend. Then it all comes down to who has the faster Internet connection.

Believe me, I've babysat some auctions like it was my grandkid, and lost. But the saying goes; "Live by the sword and die by the sword." Sailing2

I need to learn about this software and put it my toolkit. I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction to find it. Mister T

Currently working on a 7 piece virgin double bass 3 ply early 70's Ludwig kit to be wearing....MOD ORANGE.
Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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