Thread: sniping article

USA Today has an article about the science of sniping. Not much there that I'm sure most of the fluent ebayers don't already know, but, it might be intesting.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science...-of-ebay_x.htm

Originally Posted by ToxIk

USA Today has an article about the science of sniping. Not much there that I'm sure most of the fluent ebayers don't already know, but, it might be intesting.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science...-of-ebay_x.htm

Good article. The only way to eliminate sniping, as stated in the article is to have a soft close, and transparent bidding. Hidden maximum bids necessitate sniping, IMO. I used to be against sniping, and I still hate to lose an auction, because I wouldn't be bidding on it if I didn't want it...but it's also undoubtedly effective, and given the way ebay conducts auctions, practically a necessity.

There is one other way.

THis one fellow ends the bidding when you reach the price he wants. I have gotten 2 razors from him and Wopmanfixit has also scored 2. He also isn't greedy. New Rudolf Shmidt 7/8 went for $40 and I just got another hasn't arrived yet ( Sorry Randy) for $30 also brand new. I hope the second is as good as the first. If you were waiting to snipe this auction you would be out of luck. What a concept "know what you want for something and not try for more" wow. In fact I think wopmanfixit got a beautiful Dorko from him..

Originally Posted by RichZ

There is one other way.

THis one fellow ends the bidding when you reach the price he wants. I have
[...]

That's fascinating. But how is it possible?
With ebay, you can't just close a running auction if there are bids, can you ?

Redwoood

Originally Posted by Redwoood

That's fascinating. But how is it possible?
With ebay, you can't just close a running auction if there are bids, can you ?

Redwoood

This guy does or at least has 4 times that I know of.

That guy is taking a chance being kicked off Eboy. If enough people file a complaint and there is a pattern he will be history.

I am surely not going to complain

Not true. As a seller, you can end an auction at any time, provided you sell it to the high bidder.

Ie. You bought a razor for $10 and would like to get $30 on ebay. you list it and by the third day, the bids are up to $30. You can choose to end the auction and sell to that high bidder, regardless of the amount of time left in the auction. Check the rules. It's all legit. Not a bad idea to foil sniping, but the seller must be a man above men, as I don't know anyone who can't use a bit of "extra" cash.

here's the ebay page about this topic:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/end_early.html

While it's technically possible, the spirit of this feature is more to use it in some kind of emergency.
Also, ebay cannot be a big friend of this as it potentially reduces their final value fee, so use with caution...

It suprised wopman and me but I was very happy to get both razors for the prices we paid. I may add we were also the high bidders all 4 times.

I must add happily that it screwed any sniping possiblity.