Hmm. Well, y'all are going to hate me. But, I snipe my bids in about 75% of the time.
If you don't like sniping, my suggestion is to learn how to beat snipers.
Tips?
1. ALWAYS bid odd amounts. For example, $10.00 will get sniped EASILY.
2. ALWAYS bid up in odd amounts. In the above example, I mentioned $10.00. $11.00 is better, and $11.25 is even better. But, why not try $11.78? See- for $1.78 more, you just outwitted about 1/3 to 1/2 of the snipers out there.
3. Don't be greedy. You want a bargain, but so does the sniper. If an item that's worth $100.00 is up, consider paying $75+ for it a bargain. Hell, $85+ is probably more realistic. I snips a lot of sales out from idiots who only bid $50 or so for that item. Thus, I get it for around $51.00.
4. Snipers thrive off of undervalued top bids. Look at that $100.00 item. Let's say you bid low on it. I see it's going for $25 or so. I'm attracted, and you'll see me about 2 seconds before the auction ends. Put in some real value. When other folks bid, your bid will rise. BUT, you're still the top bidder. I look at the item, see a high top bid ($80 for a $100 item), and decide to move on.
5. Use eSnipe if you're lazy. However, you're talking to a person who saw a good auction, went to bed around 10:30 pm, set my alarm to wake me at 3:15 am for an auction that ended at 3:30 pm, and successfully sniped it. Don't be surprised at the tenacity of someone who REALLY wants that item. How do you know if you'll get the diehards? Well, is the item one-of-a-kind? Not offered often? Quasi-legal at best? If it's a Salvador Dali poster, I won't look twice. If it's a signed lithograph, I'll be back.
6. Make use of those "page viewed x times" counters. If you watch the auction in the last 10 minutes and see it rise more than 15%, you've got company.
7. Watch for people who beat your bid by a buck, even if you're still #1. For example, let's say you bid $30 for an item. However, you're only up to $25. The next day (or whenever), you're up to $27. Someone must have bid $26.00. (ie. You say $25, I say $26, you say $27.) No, I'm not testing you- I'm getting a reminder in my emailbox that I bid on something.
Here you are- the secrets of a sniper. [:D] You can use them if you stay away from the AR stuff, okay? [whacko]
Mike