eBay

don5313 · ‎02-23-2013

How does a successful bidder make only 1 bid ( no hidden bids show as being made ) of $10.01 and beat the last bidder of $10.00, 13 minutes later by 1 cent,and 13 seconds before the closing of the auction

oskye · ‎02-23-2013

Hi:

There are a couple of ways. Essentially, if depends on what the last 'visible' bid price was when the $10.01 bidder made their bid. And how muchb someone put in as an 'absentee bid'.

So, for example, let's say a start price is 50 cents. And the bid increment is set to go up by 25 cents.

Bidder 1 could put in just 50 cents.

Bidder 2 would see the bid is at 50 cents and would also see they need to put in 75 cents.

Bidder 1 would see s/he has been outbid - that the bid is at 75 cents and $1 is now required for the next bid. Which they enter, causing gthe Current bid to be $1.

However, suppose Bidder 1 doesn't want to babysit the computer. S/he decides $1 is their top price. So, they enter that as their maximum bid. The start price is still 50 cents - and that is what will show as the Current bid. With 75 cents being needed as the next bid.

Bidder 2 comes along and bids 75 cents. s/he sees they are immediately outbid by Bidder 1. And the current bid is now $1.

Same as scenario 1, but Bidder 1 didn't have to actually enter the bid.

Okay - now say Bidder 2 enters a bid of $1 - not 75 cents?

Then the current bid goes to $1 and Bidder 1 stills hold it, since the first bid takes precedence.

BUT - if Bidder 2 enters $1.01, then they become the lead bidder (and possibly the winner). The Current bid becomes $1.01 and the next required bid is $1.26

The bid record would not indicate any hidden bids because only 2 bids were made. $1 from Bidder 1, and $1.01 from Bidder 2.

This is why you may see odd bids like 1.53, etc - as people try to second guess what someone else may have entered as a max bid. Or try to anticipate what someone else may enter - and try to ensure they stay ahead of it.

Bidding can be a bit of a strategy game.

Hope this helps to clarify how you might lose (or win!) by a penny.

"How does a successful bidder make only 1 bid ( no hidden bids show as being made ) of $10.01 and beat the last bidder of $10.00, 13 minutes later by 1 cent,and 13 seconds before the closing of the auction"

heidilynn0_3 · ‎02-23-2013

A lot of experienced bidder do 2 things.. never place an even # bid to reduce the possibility of a tie. Routinely i use $10.(51) and place their max bid as close to auctions end as possible , win or lose.

Sniping in the dying seconds eliminates needed reaction time by others to increase their bid.

femmefan1946 · ‎02-23-2013

Remember to confirm the shipping cost to Canada before you decide how much you are willing to bid.

Bid late and bid your maximum.

If the seller is overseas, or if the auction ends past your bedtime, there are electronic sniping services which will bid for you at the very last second.