Have you ever been obsessed w/winning a bid war on e-bay?

[bliss_eternal]

I'm not currently in a bidding war, but I am a tad disturbed that I am strategizing about how to win an item.

Have you ever done this? Did you win the item, or did someone else get away with your dream item?

[Left Is Write]

1. Once and only once. It was the first item I ever bid on, back in Feb 1999.

It didn't occur to me to look to see if similar items were available. I saw what I wanted, and I wanted THAT ONE.

I won the item, but I spent way, way, waaaaay too much money on it.

[RevolutionaryActs]

2. I did it once too!

Never again. I'm happy I won though. :P




BTW, how are you? I haven't seen you in forever! :hi:

[Left Is Write]

3. I'm doing well.

I was away on vacation for a few weeks and just couldn't keep up on the computer stuff.

Good to see you!

[RevolutionaryActs]

4. Sounds nice!

:D

[Left Is Write]

5. It was. I got to spend lots of time with family and friends, and

my kids got lots of relaxed time with their grandparents and cousins. My daughter cried when we left because she wanted to stay and live next door to my sister and her family.

[Booster]

6. I have bought lots of stuff on eBay, but so far I have done my

homework on the items and knew what amount to go up to. I have lost items I really wanted, but that's ok. I would even consider buying a car off eBay in a couple of months. I have only been stung once for a stupid Enron t-shirt, but that was years ago and it was only $7 dollars. I really think the guy just forgot and I didn't pursue it. But to answer your question, no, I refuse to go over my limit.

[Viking12]

7. If it's good deal, it might take some strategy to win it

Best thing to do is to set an upper-limit you'll spend on an item. Keep an eye on the item and if it is still under you limit as the end approaches, then bid. Some whine about 'sniping' but, personally, I don't see anything wrong with it.

[auntAgonist]

8. I do it all the time

I have a strategy though and it works! I check ALL of the prior bids, figure out who's most interested in the item and watch their bidding. I never bid till the last minute, ever. I have 2 windows open, one refreshing all the time to watch for any change in high bid. I place my bid in the second window but don't hit send until the last possible minute. I never bid in round numbers, too easy to be trumped!

ummm NO I'm NOT obsessed, honest .. but I did just win 2 auctions last weekend and already have the products!

aA

on edit: I decide on how much I am going to pay and never go over that amount. There's always a deal, every day.. I don't get suckered into the "I have to have this deal" mindset.

[bliss_eternal]

11. These are GREAT tips--Thanks, guys!

I wasn't expecting tips, but I am thrilled to get them.

I've read some complaints about sniping, too...but honestly I don't I just see it as strategy.

I'm watching a couple of items now. I resisted the temptation to bid after I was outbid. I already have it in mind how high I am willing to go, and will wait and bid in the last few minutes. This is a fabulous find and I want it! LOL!

:D

[bettyellen]

9. yes , i'm a killer strategist!

how well do you know your opponents' habits?

[MissMarple]

10. No.