eBay bidding strategies

There are numerous bidding strategies used on eBay auctions. Arguably the most successful and valuable to acquire a bargain is to use a technique known as sniping. Somewhat like the military association, sniping involves accurately placing a single bid as near the end of the auction as possible. Remember to bid as much as you can afford to pay for the item- even if you bid a large amount, eBay will only charge you a small amount over the second highest bid. Also be prepared for others to be using sniping tactics in the closing minutes (or even seconds) of an auction. This is another reason to place a bid which is slightly higher than the amount you would ideally want to pay for the item.

If you do see an item on an eBay internet auction that you really want, do your research before placing bids! Feel free to add the item to your eBay watch-list, but also search around for similar or identical products from other sellers. Some less obvious listings for the same product may be a better option if you’re after a bargain, as they are less likely to attract as many bids. You may also find an attractive buy it now price on the item, meaning you can purchase it immediately without waiting for an auction to close or without watching the auction at an inconvenient closing time.

Another eBay strategy to be used is to make a bid to “test the water”. This is particularly useful if an item that you are interested in does not receive any bids and is in its closing days. If nobody else bids, that is great as you will win the auction at an absolute rock-bottom price! But do beware that other eBay users may snipe for the item in the closing minutes. Although this is less likely with listings that do not receive many initial bids, it may happen! It is therefore advisable for you to either check the auction for bids in the closing minutes and snipe if necessary, or place a sufficiently large opening bid.