Sniping

[iggyman]

Should the snipe tool be built right into the bidding menu???

Grand Slam is basically endorsing sniping by having the snipe tool so "embedded" into its software. Fantastic for a buyer but a bit aggravating for a seller (or at least nerve rattling). At the end of the day, I'm not sure that is so great for both the auction house and the seller. So how about putting some "pizazz" into the "snipe" tool?

For instance, letting both the seller and bidder know that a snipe was placed on an item. Heck, a counter with the number of unique snipes on an item would be cool and exciting. This would give the current bidder and potential sniper something to think about. Plus, give the seller some hope (perhaps false hope, but so be it....). Only problem is competition and the techie dudes.

When "Grand Slam" starts to become more successful, some of the current snipe programs (GavelSnipe, etc.) will want to get into the act. Grand Slam would not have access to bids from other snipe software and could not include that data into its "snipe counter" feature. Thus, although not a perfect system, a "snipe counter" would at least level the playing field a little bit between the buyer and seller, and in the process make bidding a little bit more exciting.

Lovely Day...

[Matt]

Currently, the seller does have a counter showing if any snipes are scheduled. Obviously he can't see the amounts. That was done exactly to avoid the issue you raised of sellers being nervous due to increased ease of sniping.

[iggyman]

That is great, but what is wrong with letting everybody else see that a snipe was set?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by iggyman

That is great, but what is wrong with letting everybody else see that a snipe was set?

Matt and I will have to discuss this. At first thought I would think we would only want the seller to see that a snipe has been set. I am thinking it's one of those "need to know" things. Again, Matt and I will discuss this. As I have said all along we want to make it as good for everyone as possible but it won't be perfect, as one person's perfect is not anothers.

Also, I like the suggestion about moving the snipe button and Matt and I will discuss that too. Keep the feedback coming. It helps validate what Matt and I are doing and helps us to make changes for the good of the community. We appreciate it very much!!

Just my 2 cents worth but if you let the buyer(s) see there is a snipe on a item already it may pursuade them to not put one up or bid in thought that it may not matter. If we "the sellers" are the only to see if there is a snipe it makes us happy to know that there is going to be some final biding in the end as well as atleast 1 or more bids are going to come in forcing the price up therefore making me Happier and I am sure Matt and Leon are going to be happier as they get a better # in the end.

Buyers seeing snipes-- NO

Sellers -- Yes

This is just my rambling opinion and if it helps great, if not I don't know

[timzcardz]

Built in snipe feature is a plus. I have never used a sniping service because in all honesty I am not going to trust someone else, especially someone that I don't know, with access to my login information.




As for a snipe counter for buyers or sellers, I would consider that information privileged and no one but the sniper should know that a snipe has been scheduled. Other bidders have no need to know, nor do sellers. Sellers being happy to know that there will be more bids is not a need, plus I do believe that it creates an added incentive to those tempted to shill, knowing that there are more bids scheduled.