There were no other bids prior to yours? then you were outsniped fair and square I would say. With the winning bid coming in at the same time as yours, the other bidder was just willing to pay more than you.
With sniping you have to remember to bid the MAX amount you are willing to pay and make that amount an odd amount (ie $20.57 rather than $20).
50 cents is definately a legit increment for $5.00 to $24.99.
Welcome to the forum too
