Examining bidder tactics

Guest

Whenever I'm lurking & watching an item that I intend to snipe on I visit it every day and often twice a day. When it gets near to closeout I always check out the auction tactics of any likely opposition - are they a would-be sniper and how high do they usually bid, etc. I'm getting to recognise certain names in my collecting area as a result. If I think I'm up against someone with big $$$ this does not make me spend more money that I think a widget is really worth but it does sometimes make me add a couple of extra dollars or 99 cents to my predetermined true max. And I have won out by this small amount against someone who bids big $$$ on some items. So I think the point i'm making is that you can't just set a snipe and then sit on your bum (or go to bed as I often have to do)and expect AS to work miracles. You have to do some homework as well!

2/21/026:23 PM

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Original Post

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Dawn (Guest)

I so agree I too watch the items I really want and visit often so I can see who my competion is and what they have bought and for how much. I also do the same for stuff I have listed so I am starting to get a sense of who is buying my hubbies dekes or the items we no longer use. I don't let it effect the amount I bid too much for being a seller I have to laugh at the prices ppl pay for stuff they can go get for new at a cheaper price (with shipping).

2/22/023:48 PM

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Sniper Adam R. (Guest)

What kind of things about another buyer do you look for? Perhaps Auction Sniper can add a feature that will track users and give you all the information you could want about them.

Adam

2/22/024:27 PM

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Steve (Guest)

Adam, I don't think you were addressing the question to me, but I've been into this diagnosing-my-opposition for awhile now and it's been a considerable advantage to me. I go to the other guy's (or gal's) bidding history and look at the kinds of things he or she bids on, what size the bid increments are, what ceiling there is that he or she won't bid beyond, the timing of the bids, how close to the end the last bid is -- all stuff I can use in planning my own bidding amount and timing. I don't neglect the opposition's feedback record either. It tells me something about the person's integrity.

Most of all, I never underestimate my opponent.

2/22/028:01 PM

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Big-Louis (Guest)

Adam - Steve has just said it all. It seems quite rare for someone to place a lowball bid - or even a tit for tat couple of bids and then snipe at the end! The only reason I would place a lowball bid (under another identity) is to get rid of a BIN! After all i don't want some lucky soul to nip in and buy it for $40 if I can wait til the end and get it for $30 do I?

2/26/022:38 PM

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jazzie142 (Guest)

How do you see someone's bidding history. I know you can see items that someone has won via their feedback, but can you actually see someone bidding history?

3/2/027:07 AM

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Steve (Guest)

You just click "Search" at the top of the home page, and one of the options you'll get is "Bidders". Click on that and enter the person's username in the space provided. *Be sure to check the little round box that gives you performance for closed auctions.* That's all there is to it. Feel free to ask more questions as you have them.