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AuctionHintsForum

Sniping...

Posted By: Jim Wilson
Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2002, at 11:18 a.m.

In Response To: Jim, what is your opinion on sniping... (Scott S.)

Great question!

Many people feel like they are cheating if they "snipe" an auction. Afterall, in a live auction you cannot slip in with only seconds to go and take an item away from someone who has been bidding all along. (well in most auctions you can't)

But on Ebay sniping is a way of life. There is even software available to assist you in getting deals. Here's the real "scoop" on sniping..

1. It's perfectly legal, acceptable, and expected in the world of online auctions. Nearly everyone who shops on the auctions does it...myself included.

2. Sniping is the best way to save money. If you bid early on an item often this leads to it getting more attention from other shoppers and thus more bids. Waiting until the very last second and bidding is a great way to save money on an item. Simply click on "Watch This Item" and then remember when it's about to close. Then, right as it's about time for it to close go to your "My Ebay" and click on "Items I'm Watching"...there it is waiting for you to bid. (This isn't necessary if you have the sniping software of course)

3. It's a fact...most bids on items happen in the last 24 hours. People shopping online realize that it will be awhile, even if they pay right away, before they get their item. This goes completely against the grain of shopping online...afterall it's supposed to be a situation of "instant gratification". By waiting until those last hours/minutes to bid it makes it all the more bearable to wait for shipment.

Recently I bought a golf club. This club, locally, would sell for $350 to $400. It was exactly what I had been told by my local pro that I needed. (loft, shaft, and even grip) And so I watched it. It's price climbed to $170. With only seconds to go I bid $191.27. And I got it. (I always bid an odd number when I snipe. This makes it harder for them to outbid you.) I got it for $183.00 by the way. Other clubs exactly like the one I got were selling for over $200. Even with my shipping mine was less. I saved about $150 on the deal and since the club has already helped me win one local tourney, it's already paying for itself!

Bottom line...snipe away! You will save and frankly, it's fun!

Great post.
Jim Wilson

Messages In This Thread

Jim, what is your opinion on sniping...
Scott S. -- Wednesday, 15 May 2002, at 3:13 a.m.

Sniping...
Jim Wilson -- Wednesday, 15 May 2002, at 11:18 a.m.

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