Preferences suggestion

I can't envision any real purpose for a variable field or fields for the maximum bid. "Maximum" is an absolute term like "ultimate" or "unique." It cannot have a lesser value and still be the "maximum."

The snipe setup provided by AS has a window in which the maximum bid -- the very most a subscriber wants to spend -- should be entered. Of course, even snipers have second thoughts and occasionally wish to change their maximum bids. This is easily done with the program as presently constituted by clicking on the "modify" button at the upper right of the snipe entry, so long as the change is not attempted with two minutes or less remaining in the auction. No snipes can be changed at that point although a sniper can also enter a manual bid to supplement his AS bid if desired.

I understand the maximum bid idea, but I think you misunderstand my intent.

Here's my situation: during the day I often browse ebay and set up snipes, but I don't place my "real" maximum bid because I don't want to give it much thought. Later in the day (after work) I will come back and change that bid to my "real" maximum bid. So, for that first bid placement, I just need to enter the lowest possible bid it will allow to have it appear on the "My Snipes" page (if you could just leave the $1 as is and have it appear on the snipes page with an automatic "bid too low" notice, that would be fine too). As it stands, I usually have to go back to the ebay page and recheck the price (because I usually forget it) and enter it into that field. Not a big deal, obviously, but I find myself doing it on a regular basis. However, if AS were to incorporate my suggestion, it would essentially be 1-click sniping using the AS browser program: I surf to the auction I want to snipe, have my defaults set, hit the "Snipe" icon in the toolbar, and the snipe is pretty much set. I can then go back later when I have more time, review the bid, look at the bidders (and their bidding histories), look at similar items, etc. and place enter my "real" bid.

Of course, I could also just put in $1000 for every snipe knowing that will almost always go over the minimum I need to bid. But, this is the suggestions forum, so why not make one? :-)

Unless there are a majority of subscribers who set up their snipes as you do, I can't see AS using the server space for something like that. I think the powers that be would prefer that you use the "modify" option in setting up your final snipes as opposed to maintaining another whole field that would be used by only a few subscribers. This, of course, is only one man's opinion.

Surely you can do exactly what you want by placing a low bid in AS and then, on your return later in the day, using the modify option?

Or are you wanting AS to default to the lowest biddable amount for that item, just to get your foot in the door. Now that would be a reasonably good idea...

"Reasonably good idea" except that one of the prime rules of sniping is not to bid at all until the bitter end. You tip your hand if you bid early, and you also alert any proxy bidder competition to start bidding. There are exceptions, of course, such as putting in a minimum bid to keep someone else from exercising a "Buy It Now" option.

Or are you wanting AS to default to the lowest biddable amount for that item, just to get your foot in the door. Now that would be a reasonably good idea...

That's exactly the sort of thing I want. Either the lowest biddable be automatic or something one can select in the preferences page.

Thanks for considering it.