Timing of bids

kitMember

I'm new to AuctionSniper, and of the three auctions I've used it on, I won one and lost two. The first loss was my own fault, I just didn't bid enough. The second one, though, I lost because my bid (which would have been the winner) didn't get put in at all.

I'm guessing that I should have increased the lead time from the default 5 seconds, given that the auction was closing on a Sunday night. I assume that's why my bid didn't go in, although it didn't say so in the e-mail I received from AuctionSniper (which informed me that my bid could not be placed "for the reason above," namely, "Status: Ready". Not very helpful, that).

I understand eBay system delays, but I don't really understand why it would have made a difference if I had specified 15 seconds rather than 5; if AuctionSniper is adding time to adjust for eBay delays, and if there's a 30-second (or so) possible variance in both eBay response time and AuctionSniper lead time, AuctionSniper should just ignore my specified lead time unless it's over 30 seconds, right?

In any event, rather than asking us to specify lead time in seconds, I think AuctionSniper should offer three options: longer lead, moderate lead, and 'cut it close'. Then AuctionSniper could figure out what those values mean in terms of seconds of lead time, given eBay's response rate. I would know that my "cut it close" snipes would occassionally not result in bids, and also have some assurance that a "longer" snipe would get a bid in, even if it gave someone else an opportunity to bid after me.
Just a thought.

I just got an email saying a snipe won another auction... so, 2 for 3. Thanks.

Kit

1/4/048:51 PM

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snipersarabAuctionSniper Support

Unfortunately the problem with the snipe that missed with a 7:00:00pm end time. We already adjust for such snipes and it still sometimes isnt enough. We snipe from at least 4 locations at all times so if it had been possible to get your bid in it woulda made it.

You can claim some free snipes here if this happens:
http://www.auctionsniper.com/freeSnipes.aspx

I'd suggest at least a 30 second lead time on items ending at key times such as within a few seconds of any hour, quarter, or half hour between 5pm and 8pm eBay time.

1/5/041:19 AM

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mrsmMember

to our forum!
I normally use 8 seconds as my lead time and on Sunday between 5 and 8 pst,on the half, quarter, and hour I add aprox. 15 seconds. Always remember to snipe the max you want to spend. Good luck and hope to see you in the forum again!