Post #93388 by Kono on Fri, May 28, 2004 5:07 PM

Why I snipe.
by Kono

Sniping is the only way to go for me if I really want an ebay item and it works for my schedule. I'll give you an example why:

A couple weeks ago there was an item that I really wanted but I couldn't snipe it because it ended while I was at work. Our internet filters block ebay and I don't use any kind of sniper service. Either I pull the trigger myself or the trigger don't get pulled. Anyway, all I can do is place a bid for what I think is a fair price (incl shipping) and hope no one beats it.

I get home from work and am disappointed to see that I lost. I check the bid history and I see this (the names have been changed to protect the guilty):

Acewipe57 bids 19.99 - the starting bid
Kono (that's me) bids 41.41

A few minutes before auction ends:
Acewipe57 bids 25.00
22 seconds later Acewipe57 bids 30.00
15 seconds later Acewipe57 bids 32.00
(does he thinks this is like a real auction where you raise your card and keep upping it in increments?)
40 seconds later Acewipe57 bids 35.00
33 seconds later Acewipe57 bids 40.00
(Oh what will it take Acewipe?)
25 seconds later Acewipe57 bids 42.41 and wins! (likely bid 45.00 but you know how it works)

If I could've been at home to snipe it I would've got it for 20.49 and Acewipe57 would've lost as Darwinism intended.

What really gripes my ass is when Barry684 and Debbie4U start a $5 a pop bidding war five days before auction ends and drive the price up to a ridiculous amount just because they get into some kind of mindless frenzy.

Wait as late as you can and just bid what it's worth to you. That's my motto. Of course that's a buyer's perspective. The complete opposite of what you sellers want. :wink: