sniping blues

[darwinbulldog]

Bit of each really. For the five auctions in question my bids were three whole numbers (two odd, one even) and two fractions (one with odds cents, and one with even cents). One of them was under $10, two were between $10 and $25, one was between $25 and $50, and one was between $50 and $100. My average bid was $34.894.

Anything else I can add to make this the least fascinating thread of the day?

Originally Posted by JustinD

Are you bidding in whole amounts or odd numbers?

When setting a snipe most folks set even whole numbers by habit - 10.00, 15.00, 25.00, etc. The best way to successfully snipe is to pick odd numbers and then add a few cents. The minimum bid increment does not apply on a snipe that exceeds the prior bid by more than that increment as long as it is higher than the prior bidder, even if only by a penny.

For example, if a auction is currently at 12.00 and the bidders max bid is 20, if you snipe at 20.01 you will win by 1 cent. The minimum bid amount has been exceeded by plenty as the bid was 8.01 over the prior amount and exceeds the bidders max.

When placing a snipe I always pick an amount followed by a few cents, such as 21.03. I often win by just those 3 or 7 cents. From experience I know it frustrates the hell out of people, but they need to learn the in's and out's of bidding.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by darwinbulldog

Bit of each really. For the five auctions in question my bids were three whole numbers (two odd, one even) and two fractions (one with odds cents, and one with even cents). One of them was under $10, two were between $10 and $25, one was between $25 and $50, and one was between $50 and $100. My average bid was $34.894.

Anything else I can add to make this the least fascinating thread of the day?

You are talking to a math guy, lol.

I totally enjoy number talk.

[Snapolit1]

I know one thing, leading an eBay auction with 15 seconds to go and simply hitting the next automatic bid increment (or is some cases the second one) is a surefire way to lose by 20 cents. I've been stupid enough to do just that.

[Jewish-collector]

If you really want the card, just bid an absurd higher amount than you would normally bid. I guarantee you will win. Because, sometimes you gotta say "WTF"

[Den*nis O*Brien]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

If you really want the card, just bid an absurd higher amount than you would normally bid. I guarantee you will win. Because, sometimes you gotta say "WTF"

Preach Brother.... Preach!!!

[edjs]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I know one thing, leading an eBay auction with 15 seconds to go and simply hitting the next automatic bid increment (or is some cases the second one) is a surefire way to lose by 20 cents. I've been stupid enough to do just that.

I once was set up to hit my snipe at the last second, but my mouse was on the button above the submit bid button, I think two bids higher (the button on the far right). I clicked the mouse in the last 5 seconds, which apparently everyone else was too, and I ended up winning at about $800 over what I wanted to pay. That was a tough one to pay (but of course I did, it was my dumb A%* that did it). I wish I had lost by 20 cents.