Ebay woes

DDonSS3

I understand sniping, but I always felt that using software to do it was cheating, somehow. 

 

It's my understanding Bill Belichik invented this....

No thanks to so many scumbags doing that, eBay now charges fees based on shipping charges as well. So, I could undercharge for shipping (lose money) then have eBat charge me fees that include shipping and I lose again. I had one guy (a real jerk) ban me from bidding on his items because I questioned him about his shipping cost. I had just shipped a comparable kit to close to his location so I knew what it cost. He was charging more than twice what I had paid. He sent me a couple of very foul eMails. Now if only I could block out his listings so I don't see them... I tend not to let sniping bother me. I just put in my max bid and I either win or I don't. I don't even look until after the auction is over. If I had a dime for every auction I lost by $.50! I understand sniping, but I always felt that using software to do it was cheating, somehow. No offense meant to anyone who does it that way.

Well at the beginning, the eBay commission was a percentage of the sold price, so having a lower sell cost and high shipping was a way to avoid paying commission. I haven't sold anything in a while so I don't know how that goes now. Either way, as the buyer, it doesn't matter as it's the total that counts.

Far more important are things like return policy, being able to use paypal.

Marcus McBean

I felt the same way you did when I first started bidding on ebay, but I quickly learned the ropes.  I also learn that a lot of times the kit could be found at the same bid price or cheaper from on-line hobby store.   Found it amazing that shipping charges greatly varied from vendor to vendor located in the same state.  I can't help think that they are using shipping to increase their profit. 

If I am looking for a kit ebay is just another tool in a attempt purchase it. 

 

i hear you Marcus. I see some at almost twice what you can get it from Squadron or one of the other online shops. And yeah shipping is ridiculous on some of the listings

I felt the same way you did when I first started bidding on ebay, but I quickly learned the ropes.  I also learn that a lot of times the kit could be found at the same bid price or cheaper from on-line hobby store.   Found it amazing that shipping charges greatly varied from vendor to vendor located in the same state.  I can't help think that they are using shipping to increase their profit. 

If I am looking for a kit ebay is just another tool in a attempt purchase it. 

Bish

 

 

GMorrison

One more tip, for those new to the game.

There's nothing sillier than complaining about shipping costs. Just consider it a part of the overall price pure and simple.

 

 

 

 

In other words, don't fall for the con trick of cheap price and extortionate postage to make up for it.

 

yeah I've seen that quite a bit

Last time I heard of anyone sniping, it involved a burlap sack, and sitting in the woods at dark

Yep. I've been sniped before too. Maybe the best way to keep yourself from getting aggravated is to just go in and bid the maximum you want to pay and let Ebay up your bid automatically. I will say it's fun when you are selling something though. The last couple minutes is a riot if people are outbidding each other.

There are good bargains to be had on eBay. I think that the choice between bidding and BIN options has to do with your tolerance for "losing". If you're after something specific, it really pays to do a search and click on Sold Listings in the Show section of the left hand filters column. Then you know what it actually sold for in the past.

Armed with that knowledge, you can put your item of choice in your followed searches and check back frequently to see new listings.

Over time, you'll see the kit you want listed at prices from bargain to ridiculous, but if you're willing to lose a few bids and be patient, you'll get it at a price that you know is reaasonable, either in a Buy it Now or Auction format.

Happy Hunting!

Mike

GMorrison

One more tip, for those new to the game.

There's nothing sillier than complaining about shipping costs. Just consider it a part of the overall price pure and simple.

 

In other words, don't fall for the con trick of cheap price and extortionate postage to make up for it.

One more tip, for those new to the game.

There's nothing sillier than complaining about shipping costs. Just consider it a part of the overall price pure and simple.

Tojo72

Lately I just use the Buy it Now option,still some good deals to be had if you are patient.

 

Most of my stuff is buy it now, usually stuff i just can't get in the UK or can get cheaper from abroard. Its rare that somthing comes up i want enough to bid on.

Lately I just use the Buy it Now option,still some good deals to be had if you are patient.

Thanks for the advice guys. Wish I learned this lesson before so I could have picked one of those sbd's. now I know better. Sounds like you have robdo it or you'll never win anything

My snipe'll beat you every time, price allowing. I used to buy snipes from a site, think it was called "Bidslammer". They generally cost $ 1.00, and you only get charged if you win. They sold in packs of ten I think, but ofter they'd have half-price sales.

That snip literally goes in at the last second, automatically, no need to be there. 

I must admit i am an e-bay sniper. Works about 90% of the time. Why put in an early bid just to lose out or get into a bidding war and end up paying more than you wanted or worse missing out completly.

I normally wait until the 5 second mark with my cursor hovering over the bid now button. My bid will be the max i am ready to pay, if that then gets out bid, so be it.

Thats right. I don't buy much anymore, but when I was building my stash up I used snipes otherwise you lose.

As was mentioned, you do set a limit on your snipe, so it's quite possible to still beat it.

There are a couple of real advantages to sniping. One is just that- set your limit and walk away, don't get sucked into a bidding war. Second- you don't have to be there. You've got a life after all.

You could have set a snipe on every SBD auction, and made them conditional. Greatly increase the chances of success.

This technique has a name?? I really never did stand a chance lol.

Yep, sniping is a favorite ebay pastime.  Can only fight fire with fire.  Can only put up what the max is you want to pay for it, and hope the sniper is below you at the end.