sniping blues

[JustinD]

Are you bidding in whole amounts or odd numbers?

When setting a snipe most folks set even whole numbers by habit - 10.00, 15.00, 25.00, etc. The best way to successfully snipe is to pick odd numbers and then add a few cents. The minimum bid increment does not apply on a snipe that exceeds the prior bid by more than that increment as long as it is higher than the prior bidder, even if only by a penny.

For example, if a auction is currently at 12.00 and the bidders max bid is 20, if you snipe at 20.01 you will win by 1 cent. The minimum bid amount has been exceeded by plenty as the bid was 8.01 over the prior amount and exceeds the bidders max.

When placing a snipe I always pick an amount followed by a few cents, such as 21.03. I often win by just those 3 or 7 cents. From experience I know it frustrates the hell out of people, but they need to learn the in's and out's of bidding.