Re: Purchasing HP Calculators on EBay Message #25 Posted by John Cadick on 11 Sept 2006, 11:43 p.m., in response to message #1 by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff:
I can't speak for others, but I always snipe for two reasons:
1. It is the only way to win if someone is using the automatic bidding software like the following auction
190029773308
If jimrainorg is the high bidder but has not reached the top of his allowable bid, the software will automatically bid it up. If I bid before the end, there is no way I can win.
2. In some auctions, a feeding frenzy will occur between two or more inexperienced and/or shill bidders. Although I couldn't find a very good example of this on ebay right now, an inexperienced or new bidder will bid over your bid every time you bid. A shill bidder will do the same until the price is where the seller wants it.
In any event I believe that the important things are these:
1. Whenever you bid, bid the maximum amount you are willing to pay. If someone else is willing to pay more, then they deserve to win the item.
2. Pay close attention to how many times a particular item appears over a two or three month period. If is shows up regularly, don't be too frustrated if you don't get this one.
For example, the HP equation cards show up very regularly. You shouldn't have any trouble getting one.
John
|