In a message dated 6/3/02 2:35:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> I thought you just put down your maximum bid, and then let the software take
> care of the rest.  If your bid won at a figure lower than you anticipated,
> you got a steal.  Otherwise it's all timing.
>
>

There are ebay strategies of a) not bidding at all until the auction is about
to be completed and b) putting in a lower maximum bid and then waiting to see
if you get outbid by someone else.  Option "a" allows a bidder to conceal
their interest in the item and option "b" simply tests the interest of other
potential bidders.  In either case, you sign on near the close of the auction
and wait until it's a minute or so away from completion and then put in your
new higher maximum bid.

I've "lost" quite a few ebay auctions in the last few minutes or seconds
simply because I don't want to bother to monitor things at their closing
time.  Another ebay enhancement to go along with Stan's would be to allow
bids with a posting date and time.  Thus you could put in a 'future' bid and
not have to tie yourself up at the required day and time.

Wayne Boyer

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