bidding slot increments gripe

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by esquiresports

In Heritage live auctions (where you can still bid online), once per lot you can make a "cut bid," which is half of the next bid increment. It's a very nice feature.

One thing that has worked against me (I believe) is when I want to go up to the next bid increment (e.g., Bid is at $1000. Next bid is $1100, then $1200, then $1300). Some AHs won't allow me to place a bid of $1200. Only $1100 and $1300 (or higher) are permitted.

When that happens I just ask a friend to bid 1100 and as soon as he does, I bid 1200. It all works out.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

When that happens I just ask a friend to bid 1100 and as soon as he does, I bid 1200. It all works out.

You have friends???

[nolemmings]

You have friends???

Count me among the stupefied. Can we get an offer of proof?

[scooter729]

As much as REA is beloved by most folks, one thing with REA that drives me nuts is the bidding increments from $500 - $1,000. Every other auction house goes in $50 increments in that range, but REA goes in $100 increments.

So if the bid is $500 on an item, you have to go to $600. So it even further amplifies the issue originally posted about.

Granted, many REA items are over $1K so this only impacts lower priced items, but it really starts to bring bidding strategies into play for items in that price range using REA's structure.

[kamikidEFFL]

Great topic. I agree as a buyer I set a price in my mind and that's what I stick to so if the increment is above that I won't go to the next bid. To me auction houses should let you bid in smaller increments.

[D. Bergin]

I'll bet most who actually sell on Ebay, wishes the increments were a little further apart. Especially with the instant 1 increment bid tool they have now.

Kind of depressing to see your piece get 10 last second bids, only for it to move up like $4.50 in the process.

[egbeachley]

It all evens out if the long term and the seller is not affected. Using your $250 increment as an example, the seller gets the full $250 of the last bid when another $10 over the underbidder may have won it.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by egbeachley

It all evens out if the long term and the seller is not affected. Using your $250 increment as an example, the seller gets the full $250 of the last bid when another $10 over the underbidder may have won it.

Right, and I am sure Rob and others have thought this through and come to the conclusion that on balance they do better with bigger increments than small ones. Particularly with the "gotta have it" mentality of folks like us most of whom lack discipline.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

When that happens I just ask a friend to bid 1100 and as soon as he does, I bid 1200. It all works out.

Peter, if you pay them to do it, they don't technically count as 'friends'.

I love a pile-on.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Peter, if you pay them to do it, they don't technically count as 'friends'.

I love a pile-on.

What if I pay them in Frank Bucks?