Sniping services

[Snapolit1]

I understand the idea that bidding hard early is probably not a great idea. It draws attention to the auction and may feed the flames of bidding. (Unless you think you are just going to run others off the track altogether with your exuberance.) I like to throw in early bids just so I get regular reminders. (I know most auctions have some variation of a watch list.) I agree there is little point in pumping the gas too early, but seems to me that if a seller has decided that I won't take less than x for my item, a sniping serving will do nothing to deter that.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I understand the idea that bidding hard early is probably not a great idea. It draws attention to the auction and may feed the flames of bidding. (Unless you think you are just going to run others off the track altogether with your exuberance.) I like to throw in early bids just so I get regular reminders. (I know most auctions have some variation of a watch list.) I agree there is little point in pumping the gas too early, but seems to me that if a seller has decided that I won't take less than x for my item, a sniping serving will do nothing to deter that.

You are pushing on an open door, nobody disputes that. But you seem to think that is the ONLY reason somebody shills, and it isn't. People shill to run you up, for one thing. They can't do that if there is no max bid to run up. And as Paul just said, putting your bid out there gives others more opportunity to outbid you.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I agree there is little point in pumping the gas too early, but seems to me that if a seller has decided that I won't take less than x for my item, a sniping serving will do nothing to deter that.

That's true. I treat that behavior like a "hidden reserve." Can't be helped.

[ALR-bishop]

I snipe because it is convenient for me. I think it would be great if no one else sniped

[ruth-gehrig]

Is there any way that ebay could block snipping software if they really wanted to??

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

Is there any way that ebay could block snipping software if they really wanted to??

Sure, for a while. Just increase the captcha checks to every bid. It would annoy the live bidders, but minimize the sniping programs.
Why else would a non-owner/consignor want to run you up if you place your high bid early? They have the same card and want your new high price to be in VCP when they sell their card.
This is part of the rationale why all those 1950s HOF rookies in PSA 7-8 climbed 300% last spring/summer, and then bottomed out.

[vintagerookies51]

Not sure what's so hard to understand about sniping. It's convenient, and it maximizes your benefit. I don't know if I've seen anyone claim it eliminates 100% of shilling... but sniping can never hurt you IMO... like you said it can't get rid of the "hidden reserve" shillers, but if you paid less than or equal to what you were willing to pay then it's a win

[Leon]

Sniping is convenient. Gavelsnipe is free and other services are cheap. I snipe on almost all of my ebay stuff.