Lead Time

Not sure about the best lead-time. This is from the FAQ’s:
http://www.auctionsniper.com/faqbasics.aspx#basics13
The problem with that FAQ is that I think the suggestions are for ebay USA.

Most on this forum will recommend 8 to 12 seconds. Not sure what November 19th 19:26:41 PST converts to for Australia time, but I think it’s Nov 20th 14:26:41 AEDST. If that’s the case, I don’t think (that’s a “think” on my part) that time would be considered prime time for ebay.com.au. With that in mind, 8 seconds seems reasonable. But if it were me, based on the uniqueness of this item, I’d be inclined to use 12.

Another consideration is that the lead-time you specify is more of a guideline for AS. Should AS, after sampling ebay’s traffic, consider that 8 seconds isn’t enough, it will pad that lead-time.

And, while I’m thinking about it, it’s been a while since anyone complained about a snipe getting a “not-in-time” status. That may have something to do with not allowing less than 3 seconds, or with more “aggressive” lead-time padding.

Hopefully an Australian will pop in with actual experience instead of some Yank making a bunch of guesses.

quote:

Trying to work out weekend/busy periods/lead times harder here.

Maybe this will help:
http://cgi1.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?TimeShow&ssPageName=f:f:AU

Thanks Rick for your help and assistance. Have loaded it in as 12 seconds. I have no idea when busy periods are in OZ....thought we had to go by busy periods in USA (whenever they are?)and then try to work out equivalent in OZ. Think I might stay away from weekends in future!

Hiya Aussie_girl,
We dont seem to have the over busy periods like the US does. I have sniped on Sunday nite (the *norm* busy time) without any hiccups....so Rick's suggestion of 12 seconds should suit you well.

If the item is THAT important though, I would be manually sniping as well...just in case!!

Nothing more depressing than losing those must have auctions.

Thanks Bartelby...did try 1 bid to test waters and newbies pounced so am lying low because any movement makes them bid again, it appears that they are not bidding to their max but bid by bid. Will also try manual snipe as you suggested

Aussie_girl,

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, there seems to be a lot of people on ebay that don’t decide in advance what they are willing to pay for something, and then bid it. We all do that to some extent – we all allow others to influence our opinions as to the value of “things”. But, there’s probably some self-defense at work on the proxy bidder’s part. Before sniping, I would place my one large proxy bid, and I would place it early. Mistake (spell that M-I-S-T-A-K-E) ! Those were proxy bids asking (“pretty please”) to be nibbled or shilled or stalked or (and this is my favorite) to have someone expose my bid then retract their bid.

Now, just because this is my experience, doesn’t mean it happens to everyone, but being a guy I’m more concerned about myself then anyone else (I’m predicting no one will disagree).

So, to a large part, I can understand not placing that one “most willing to pay” proxy bid, because there’s bound to be someone out there that will help you to pay that amount.

Of course, there are bidders that just can’t stand to lose, and bidding moves beyond the grabbing of goodies to something personal. I think they feel that losing an auction makes them losers – so up the price they go.

Well, I’m rambling, and telling you and everyone else something they already know, but like I said, I’m a guy, so I like to hear myself talk, or in this case, read myself post.

P.S. Lexie’s idea about a manual snipe is a good one for must-have items. Sara’s latest statistics are that they have been missing less than 1 out of 5,000 (or more than 99.98% successful). So, the odds are greatly in your favor that your snipe will get placed. But you know how bad things always seem to happen at the badest times (and it’s a bummer to be that “less than 1 out of 5,000”), so backing up AS’s snipe with a manual snipe is that much better. Probably unnecessary, but better safe.

Thankyou Rick for all info. I have withdrawn snipe for item due to the fact that bidding has now gone over RRP...I just cannot believe these people. I know we are coming into the "silly season" but this is madness!
Have another snipe set for today and will probably be advised bid too low as same thing is happening for this item also.
Either there is something in the water on east coast of OZ or aliens have landed!

quote:

Originally posted by aussie_girl:
Either there is something in the water on east coast of OZ or aliens have landed!

Being an east-coastian...I would say either is a distinct possibility

Dont knock those bidders that pay over RRP too much, they are currently financing my kids college fund

quote:

Have another snipe set for today and will probably be advised bid too low as same thing is happening for this item also.

So aussie_girl, what happened?

quote:

"When you think we are lost - we're exploring. . .

Already missing Confucius. But, how can he compete with Robbie.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick:
Already missing Confucius. But, how can he compete with Robbie.

You tell me....

Rick, I cancelled both bids. Re the large item ended up doing a BIN on one that had just been listed for a very good price and will have to put up with freight costs...can't have it all my way . The second item I went to department store and purchased (they were having a sale on the item so I guess it worked out in the end).

I can understand the high bids on the large item if everyone bidding lived in the same area as me, but the other item went for $29.00 over RRP then add on sale discount of $35.00 and postage of $25.00 you do the maths... a sellers dream

Anyone know where I can get tickets to a Confucius concert? (In the States?)