Please clarify bidding on a item that does not show bids, however, when you place a bid, it advises you are outbid?

[abbeykaye]

Please clarify bidding process as items often do not show a bid, however, when you place a bid, you are advised that you are outbid? Thanks

[heidilynn0_3]

Hi..I've never really paid attention but would have though that the bid would show with starting price.

What does the bid history page show.

[femmefan1946]

The seller has an opening price of $1

The first bidder bids $5

The listing shows 1 bid and a current high bid of  ---$1

The bidder's maximum bid cannot be seen by anyone.

The second bidder bids $2

The listing shows 2 bids and a current high bid of $2.50

The second bidder is given a note that she is outbid.

Rather than "nibbling" at the high bid, bid once, bid late and bid your maximum. Use your Watch List or an electronic sniping service to make those late bids.

[scifan57]

Here is how automatic,or proxy bidding works.

[ok_so_im_50]

The search page may not show there are bids but once you go to the item page, it will show there was a bid. The search page may be lagging behind a bit. I've seen it happen.

[dmil8030]

Hello 'abbeykay',

When you look at a listing, under 'Item condition' and 'Time left' is the phrase Bid history.  If you click it, it will show the various bidders and their amounts.  The high bidder may have placed a much higher bid than the one you see.  Ebay only pinches off enough of your high bid to keep you in the lead.

When you are looking at the Bid history, over on the far right it says Enter your maximum bid.  When you do that, if it is not enough to outbid that other person, - you get told you are outbid.  You are 'automatically' outbid.  In the upper right corner of the Bid history table you will see Show automatic bids.  Click on that to see how ebay breaks it down.

Have a look at scifan's link about how the whole ebay auction thing works, - it is very plain and easy to follow, and especially see this part:

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/outbid.html