I sniped an auction with a lead time of 2 seconds. I won, but when I checked the bid history, it was placed with 5 seconds left, not two. I was the only last minute bidder, but don't want to be outsniped. Why the lead time change?
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I have had all mine set to 5 seconds, and have noticed that all of them (5 snipes so far), have all posted at 7 seconds prior to auction close. This is good, I suppose, indicating that it is consistant, and there has been no lag time, but what do the board customer service reps have to say about it? Is there an automatic lead time being added OVER what we select for our snipe timing?
In response to the first inquiry, AS monitors eBay computer response time on a continuing basis, and when eBay is running slow AS adds to pre-set lead times to ensure that the bid is placed in time for eBay to process and accept it. I have found this to be an invaluable service.
Regarding the two-second addition (nice pic of a python, guy!) I have also noticed this phenomenon. Originally I had pre-set my snipe time at 8 seconds, which I found ideal for avoiding eBay slowdowns while not allowing time for bids reacting to mine. I noticed that the bids were being uniformly entered at 10 seconds. So I changed my pre-set lead time to 6 seconds and now my bids are entered with 8 seconds left, as I had planned, except when eBay is running slow and AS makes an adjustment as described above.
Regarding the two-second addition (nice pic of a python, guy!) I have also noticed this phenomenon. Originally I had pre-set my snipe time at 8 seconds, which I found ideal for avoiding eBay slowdowns while not allowing time for bids reacting to mine. I noticed that the bids were being uniformly entered at 10 seconds. So I changed my pre-set lead time to 6 seconds and now my bids are entered with 8 seconds left, as I had planned, except when eBay is running slow and AS makes an adjustment as described above.