eBay trying to remove sniping

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by bnorth

It will force people to be on eBay at specific times for an unspecific amount of time. Horrible idea at best.

Exactly. I am not understanding those who think this is a positive change for anybody.

I make my living in this industry, but I'll be damned if I am going to let this new format dictate how I plan out my life and sleep schedule in an effort to secure more inventory. I don't care if it's a 99 cent item or something valuable. Should eBay go full-on with this harebrained idea beyond a trial phase, they will soon learn the error of their ways.

The vast majority of what is sold on eBay is low-end stuff. In their totality, these crumbs bring in a pile of money for eBay in addition to the incredible material. In a way, this chaff, if you will, is the foundation of it all. Is anybody staying up until 3:00 a.m. to make sure they win that VG 1961 Topps Rip Repulski? Well, I suppose not, and that type of item will simply end as it would normally have.

The bottom line is that sniping allows customers more freedom in their lives. This new setup will severely constrict that freedom. No, thanks. It's just cardboard.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

It's just cardboard.

Blasphemy!

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

(maybe I'm missing something, and this new system is intended only for items over a certain dollar value?)

The original post included the pasted message from Ebay that this test will apply to select items in the Trading Card category. I assume that these will be higher priced cards, but it is possible they will try out cards from a wide range of value to test its viability.

If it hasn't been obvious until now, Ebay only knows how to tinker with things.


Brian

[perezfan]

I read through this twice, and did not see this specific point covered.... So I will ask it here...

Does the final bidding extend for two minutes just one single time?

Or does it extend for 2 minutes with every subsequent bid that is placed?

Thanks to anyone who can clarify.

[jayshum]

I don't understand how this is going to cause lower prices. If someone still bids their highest bid right before the scheduled end time, it gives other bidders a chance to respond. It's what most other online auctions already do with extended bidding in an attempt to imitate a live auction.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

If this ends up being standard protocol, I guess the sniping services will have to re-format their websites accordingly. "Initial Snipe", "Secondary Snipe", "Tertiary Snipe", ad nauseum.

[Schlesinj]

I work in an industry that utilizes a 2 minute rule for an auction platform. In this case the auctions last 15 minutes and will get extended for each increment if the rate is reduced. The time is extended from 2 minutes at the point of a reduced rate not each time someone bids. These are blind auction with the bidders only knowing if they are not winning.

This has been standard for over 20 years. The bidders are used to it and generally have been a positive platform. It has produced lower rates (which is good in this case) vs the alternative.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by Schlesinj

I work in an industry that utilizes a 2 minute rule for an auction platform. In this case the auctions last 15 minutes and will get extended for each increment if the rate is reduced. The time is extended from 2 minutes at the point of a reduced rate not each time someone bids. These are blind auction with the bidders only knowing if they are not winning.

This has been standard for over 20 years. The bidders are used to it and generally have been a positive platform. It has produced lower rates (which is good in this case) vs the alternative.

I don't understand what you are saying. What is the rate you are talking about? What do you mean that the time is extended from 2 minutes at the point of a reduced rate?

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I don't understand how this is going to cause lower prices. If someone still bids their highest bid right before the scheduled end time, it gives other bidders a chance to respond. It's what most other online auctions already do with extended bidding in an attempt to imitate a live auction.

Agreed. You can still put in your max or snipe bid and, if higher than the next increment, you will be autobid to the next increment. Here is a real life example of why/how it could work and be good:

Last night I wanted to win a Willie mays “the catch” ticket. With one minute left, it was at $5100. I put in my “snipe” max bid of $6559 with 4 seconds left. Turns out I was outbid by one increment by another sniper at $6659. However, given the chance, I likely would have bid another one or two times, but I was not given the option; the auction just ends.

So, the snipes work their way into out, establishing a high bid for extended bidding and then people can go back at it, in two minute increments, after that. Nothing but good for sellers. As a buyer, those wanting to get a deal from the auction ending absolutely may be harmed, but those buyers like me last night will be happy to be given another opportunity

One last thing- the customer is the seller, not the buyer. The job of an auction house is to maximize the price the seller gets. Fact. People always complain about changes that benefit the AH, who make a commission off the sale, or benefit sellers, but the seller is exactly who the AH is working for, not the buyers.

[doug.goodman]

There are two reasons to snipe :

1 - you put in a bid so late that nobody will have time to outbid you.

2 - you put in a bid so late that YOU will not have time to bid again if somebody has outbid you.

Either way, resetting the clock defeats both of those strategies, so of course the prices will go higher, and of course shilling will sometimes be involved.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

There are two reasons to snipe :

1 - you put in a bid so late that nobody will have time to outbid you.

2 - you put in a bid so late that YOU will not have time to bid again if somebody has outbid you.

Either way, resetting the clock defeats both of those strategies, so of course the prices will go higher, and of course shilling will sometimes be involved.

I snipe because I am not going to be glued to eBay. I win a fair amount and will win a lot, lot less if there is no sniping. They will do analytics after they test and make a decision. If losing bidders like myself doesn't hurt them as much as it helps the seller, and the seller is happy, that is all that counts. "Money" is almost always the answer.
As said, eBay's customers are their sellers. But if even more people leave than have in the recent few years, then more sellers might leave.

[Leon]

According to this thread, there are 3 reasons.

3 - Not being glued to eBay.
Buyers that only want something, but don't HAVE, to have it, like myself...just won't spend as much. That is a 100% certainty, where I am concerned.

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

There are two reasons to snipe :

1 - you put in a bid so late that nobody will have time to outbid you.

2 - you put in a bid so late that YOU will not have time to bid again if somebody has outbid you.

Either way, resetting the clock defeats both of those strategies, so of course the prices will go higher, and of course shilling will sometimes be involved.

[ajjohnsonsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Agreed. You can still put in your max or snipe bid and, if higher than the next increment, you will be autobid to the next increment. Here is a real life example of why/how it could work and be good:

Last night I wanted to win a Willie mays “the catch” ticket. With one minute left, it was at $5100. I put in my “snipe” max bid of $6559 with 4 seconds left. Turns out I was outbid by one increment by another sniper at $6659. However, given the chance, I likely would have bid another one or two times, but I was not given the option; the auction just ends.

So, the snipes work their way into out, establishing a high bid for extended bidding and then people can go back at it, in two minute increments, after that. Nothing but good for sellers. As a buyer, those wanting to get a deal from the auction ending absolutely may be harmed, but those buyers like me last night will be happy to be given another opportunity

One last thing- the customer is the seller, not the buyer. The job of an auction house is to maximize the price the seller gets. Fact. People always complain about changes that benefit the AH, who make a commission off the sale, or benefit sellers, but the seller is exactly who the AH is working for, not the buyers.

THIS ^^^

If ebay's analytics says this benefits sellers without alienating enough buyers they will roll it out for good. As a seller I love it (two buyers who really want it duking it out in 2 min increments - yummy). As a buyer hoping to steal it cheap with a snipe, I hate it. :-)

[nat]

I assume that they have a legion of econ and psych phds who determined that this will net them more money. I'll trust their judgment on this.

This probably doesn't change optimal bidding strategy though. If the thing is worth $X to you put in a snipe for $X (don't bid early - no use in giving free information to other bidders) and forget about it. Yes, someone can top you in extended bidding, but that shouldn't change your strategy. If bidding goes above $X you're better off not buying it than you would be buying it. If it would have sold for $(X - Y) under the old system and now sells for $(X - Z) for Z < Y, then you're paying more under this system than the old one, but as long as you don't watch the auction and get suckered into bidding above $X you're still getting the item for less than (or equal to) what it's worth to you. Which means that it's still rational to place your bids.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Agreed. You can still put in your max or snipe bid and, if higher than the next increment, you will be autobid to the next increment. Here is a real life example of why/how it could work and be good:

Last night I wanted to win a Willie mays “the catch” ticket. With one minute left, it was at $5100. I put in my “snipe” max bid of $6559 with 4 seconds left. Turns out I was outbid by one increment by another sniper at $6659. However, given the chance, I likely would have bid another one or two times, but I was not given the option; the auction just ends.

So, the snipes work their way into out, establishing a high bid for extended bidding and then people can go back at it, in two minute increments, after that. Nothing but good for sellers. As a buyer, those wanting to get a deal from the auction ending absolutely may be harmed, but those buyers like me last night will be happy to be given another opportunity

One last thing- the customer is the seller, not the buyer. The job of an auction house is to maximize the price the seller gets. Fact. People always complain about changes that benefit the AH, who make a commission off the sale, or benefit sellers, but the seller is exactly who the AH is working for, not the buyers.

All of that is true, but I stay glued to my computer with the Auction Houses so much, I don't want to stay glued to Ebay....Just set the snipe and be gone. But I guess if there is something I can't live without (rarely) I will play. "Stuff" trumps a little annoyance.
.

.

[dariushou]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I don't understand how this is going to cause lower prices. If someone still bids their highest bid right before the scheduled end time, it gives other bidders a chance to respond. It's what most other online auctions already do with extended bidding in an attempt to imitate a live auction.

Very simple. The number of bidders will decrease. For one, it increases the opportunity of shill bidders which will turn off some bidders such ad myself. Two, I have better things to do with my time than sit at computer all day when ebay auctions end at all times of the day. There will be bidders such as myself who will not bid on such auctions. Plain and simple. Just not for me and I buy a lot.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by dariushou

Very simple. The number of bidders will decrease. For one, it increases the opportunity of shill bidders which will turn off some bidders such ad myself. Two, I have better things to do with my time than sit at computer all day when ebay auctions end at all times of the day. There will be bidders such as myself who will not bid on such auctions. Plain and simple. Just not for me and I buy a lot.

I agree with this.

From the perspective of a seller/consignor, I also understand the fair points made by the other camp. For myself, as both a buyer and seller, therein lies the hypocrisy!

[darwinbulldog]

Looks like the consensus is this will bring prices down, so I'm all for it.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by dariushou

Very simple. The number of bidders will decrease. For one, it increases the opportunity of shill bidders which will turn off some bidders such ad myself. Two, I have better things to do with my time than sit at computer all day when ebay auctions end at all times of the day. There will be bidders such as myself who will not bid on such auctions. Plain and simple. Just not for me and I buy a lot.

Most major auction houses already do what eBay is now testing and possibly going to switch to. From the results of most auctions, it doesn't seem like they are hurting for bidders. Just curious but do you not bid in any of those auctions because of their extended bidding rules?

[Lorewalker]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Most major auction houses already do what eBay is now testing and possibly going to switch to. From the results of most auctions, it doesn't seem like they are hurting for bidders. Just curious but do you not bid in any of those auctions because of their extended bidding rules?

eBay is 24/7/365 and as such is a dynamic experience. Auction houses have catalogs that have a limited amount of items that end on a particular day.

I am not as smart as most who have posted that it will be great or horrible for sellers. I just know that most people hate change. Many people hate eBay and their changes usually screw up the site and lastly, nothing has ever stopped a collector from trying to buy something that they want. If we can all overlook blatant fraud and still bid, a little change like this should not be an obstacle.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Most major auction houses already do what eBay is now testing and possibly going to switch to. From the results of most auctions, it doesn't seem like they are hurting for bidders. Just curious but do you not bid in any of those auctions because of their extended bidding rules?

If an auction house ends their auction at 2 am, yes, I am not bidding in extended bidding in those auctions. And therein lies the difference between ebay and an auction house. It's not an insignificant difference.