How to win on eBay?

[Frank]

Yeah, I know, be the highest bidder.

There is something I really want and I don't want to trigger a bidding war. Its not expensive but I don't want to get crazy buying it. I may not be around when it is near time to end. So what methods do people use? Something that bids for you? I know there are apps or tricks but never looked into it before. How do you do it?

[UserX]

I always wait until the last 30 seconds, and bid the maximum I am willing to pay. Do not bid before then, all you're gonna do is drive up the price. And don't pussyfoot with your last minute bid, bid your max. It's just a bid, doesn't mean you'll wind up paying that maximum bid amount. Works for me all the time.

[Nash B.]

I've had good luck with bidding just below what I think it's worth or how much I can get it for elsewhere. If I win, I don't pay too much; if I lose, I don't pay too much.

[momo]

Yeah, I know, be the highest bidder.

There is something I really want and I don't want to trigger a bidding war. Its not expensive but I don't want to get crazy buying it. I may not be around when it is near time to end. So what methods do people use? Something that bids for you? I know there are apps or tricks but never looked into it before. How do you do it?

http://www.gixen.com/

it's free.
you give it your login info. (i thought that part was a bit sketchy but its been around a while with solid reviews)
you put in the item number and your max price.
it will do a last second bid with your max price unless its already passed your price.
you can group things too so if one executes, it will cancel the rest.


normally i use the method UserX mentioned. i've never used this yet but plan on it... tonight actually on an auction that ends while i'm asleep.

[Venom]

UserX's method is by far the easiest way to go. I have also used www.bidsniper.com with a high degree of success.

[Frank]

I always wait until the last 30 seconds, and bid the maximum I am willing to pay. Do not bid before then, all you're gonna do is drive up the price. And don't pussyfoot with your last minute bid, bid your max. It's just a bid, doesn't mean you'll wind up paying that maximum bid amount. Works for me all the time.

That's how I have usually done it, but sometimes the auction ends when I can't be there to bid. I'll have to look into these.

[71chevellejohn]

Esnipe is another service... but I think they charge for it.

Just remember there are others out there that could be using the same system on the same auction as you.

[Cooter]

Esnipe is another service... but I think they charge for it.

Just remember there are others out there that could be using the same system on the same auction as you.

of course there will be... that's why you enter your max bid... if you lose, it sold for more than you were willing to pay

[Chopped54]

of course there will be... that's why you enter your max bid... if you lose, it sold for more than you were willing to pay

What he said....

I typically have two Windows open side by side. On one I will watch the remaining time clock down. On the other I will have my bid ready to go up to the point where I have one click to go. Like the others said, bid the absolute MAX you are willing to pay, not what you think will outbid the current bid. I typically wait till the last ~10 seconds or so, just remember there is probably some jackass on the other end doing the same thing you do so under 10 seconds he more then likely will not have time to refresh the screen and see you just out bid him.....

[Gear_Jammer]

I've used http://www.auctionstealer.com for years and years and I love it. It's free and it works well. I've won many an auction using it and gotten some great deals.

[LS1Goat]

I synchronize my count down timer on my G-Shock watch to match the eBay count down timer. Type in my highest proxy bid and wait to hit the submit button at about the 2 second remaining mark.

[Alex]

auctionsniper.com

[4.6coupe]

auctionsniper.com

X2

[2165 Turbo Rail]

X2

x3 I use it all the time

[txsr20de]

Like everyone has said, sniping at the last second is your best bet. Fight the temptation to bid at all for the first 6 days(or however long the auction is), as bidding early will never end in your favor. You may still be able to win it, but your impatience will cost you.

It is important to not get emotionally involved and "having" to buy something. You have to be able to pass on something once it stops being a good deal. I try to only buy things that are priced well enough that if I want or need to, I can at least easily sell it for what I have in to it, and many times make a profit.

If I am paying more than I can sell it for, then I am paying too much.