Quote:
Originally Posted by Dottore
I hear you on this.
Suppose though, that you and two other bidders really wanted an item. Let's suppose you want it really badly, but the other two also want it—but perhaps not quite as badly as you.
Wouldn't it be better to "probe" how high these two are prepared to bid earlier in the auction, rather than wait for the frantic last few minutes?
I mean, aren't there situations where its better to smoke out the competition earlier on—rather than risk losing an item in the last few moments?
|
The biggest competition on eBay besides other bidders is the clock. Unlike a real auction, there is a deadline involved. Not only do you have to be highest bidder, but you have beat the clock. I can almost guarantee that if you try to incrementally beat other bidders, you won't win the item. Of course this depends on the interest in the item. When it comes down to a minute to go, just bid what you are willing to spend.
One other very important last minute bidding rule. Make sure you are logged into ebay prior to the last minute/second bid! Log in again if it's been a few hours since the last time. I felt damn sheepish to completely miss a bid because I forgot to login prior and time ran out.
