I can understand why you would want the address when it became time to give you a credit card number, but why when we first sign up? Our information is being kept private, right?

This is actually a really good question, and could be asked of many web sites that collect user information such addresses. Take eBay for example, they require buyers to submit all of their contact information even though they may never collect any money from these users.

As for Auction Sniper, we ask for this information mainly to keep track of our users. We can use this information to see where our users are coming from and have contact information in case there is ever a problem. However, I can see your side of the issue and perhaps we could have it so this information can be optional until a user decides to upgrade their account.

Thanks
Adam R.