Skip to main content

Hi, I've just started using AS and it is great! I've read different posts on lead time settings that seem to contradict one another. I have my lead time set to the default 5 seconds.

I've noticed that the bid is actually placed about 7 seconds before the auction ends (eBay time). I've also noticed that some of my snipes have been placed (it seemed) about 30 seconds or so before the auction end which I consider to be dangerous territory for being out bid.

What's the story with these weird timings? Does AS change the lead automatically to compensate for "expected" peak bidding times or not? I want my snipe to snipe the last bid at the last possible moment (power sniping ;-), but I don't want to lose the auction either because the snip is done too late. Any help here on the bottom line story would be appreciated. Thanks, Erik the Snipe
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

quote:
Originally posted by efriis:
Does AS change the lead automatically to compensate for "expected" peak bidding times or not?


Yes, they do. Some complain about it, but there would be MANY more complaints if AS did not do this. Most of us use between five and eight seconds, except on Sunday evenings, when we use 15-25 seconds, because of the extra traffic. The same goes for auctions that end any day directly on a quarter hour (xx:00, xx:15, xx:30, xx:45), when extra seconds are needed.

Remember, it is the highest bid that wins. Usually, several seconds will not make much of a difference, so long as it is near the end.

Believe me, AS knows their stuff. I have used them successfully for 817 auctions over the past couple of years. Big Grin
Well it's certainly been a long time since I welcomed anyone to the Forum (I'm very surprised none of the "regulars has not answered your question already)

Yes AS will increase your time according to their "take" on how slow eBay is running. Auctions ending exactly on the hour are notoriously slow due to the fact that a lot of auctions are ending at the same time. It is always a good idea not to trust less than a nine second snipe on Sundays also.
I'm sure a more detailed answer will come along shortly from one of the more experienced.

AS is a great service, remember there is always an inherent risk in sniping, and that is not the last bid, but the highest bid that wins auctions.
quote:
Originally posted by Chatter163:
Yes, they do...Most of us use between five and eight seconds, except on Sunday evenings, when we use 15-25 seconds, because of the extra traffic. The same goes for auctions that end any day directly on a quarter hour (xx:00, xx:15, xx:30, xx:45), when extra seconds are needed.



Thanks for your reply....if they dynamically adjust the snipe time, then why do you change it at the times you mentioned....I'd assume that AS is aware of these "peak" times too....no?
quote:
Thanks for your reply....if they dynamically adjust the snipe time, then why do you change it at the times you mentioned....I'd assume that AS is aware of these "peak" times too....no?

AS is definately aware of these peak times, and sometimes you will find your lead time of 15+ seconds is adjusted if the ebay lagg is greater than your lead time. IF you put in your normal lead time on these peak times, AS would most likely adjust it for you, but as the traffic at those particular times is ENORMOUS, its better to take matters into your own hands. AS submits hundreds (prolly thousands - I am erring on the safe side) of bids a day and you wouldnt want yours to be the one that slips through the cracks on those particular times, would you?

Much safer to adjust it yourself.

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×