An EBay Sniper's Soliloquy

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An EBay Sniper's Soliloquy; Tense, Excited, Disappointed, Confused
Tweet Topic Started: Dec 6 2011, 11:28 PM (613 Views)
ddr2nite	Dec 6 2011, 11:28 PM Post #1
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	So usually I am on the other end of the table in situations like these: An EBay auction is counting down the final minutes... an item you've had saved in your watch list (or even put in a preliminary low bid early on) and you've been staring at it for days. You know in the back of your head that you'd love to have the item, but know that last second bids will come in. But you're determined to fight it, and know that you have a fairly high price you're willing to pay that should have a good shot at topping all other bidders. You set your alarms on your cell phone or your wrist watch (maybe both) for 5-10 minutes before the auction ends in case you forget. The last few minutes are counting down, and you have the auction page open on your web browser window. It's under 1 minute now. The seconds begin to count down... 59... 58... 57... your palms start to get sweaty but you remember what you're going to do and remind yourself how much you're going to bid. 40... 39... 38... your heart starts to beat faster and you can feel it in your chest. 25... 24... 23... Here it is, the moment where you take a stand and fight for what you believe should be yours. 15... 14... 13... you see the bids start to roll in, but you're determined and it hasn't hit your limit yet. 10... 9... 8... you type in your bid, getting ready to click Place Bid. 5... 4... 3... *MOUSE CLICK* 2... 1... 0. Wait, why is there not the victorious green text on the screen that says you won the item? I placed my bid just in the nick of time didn't I??? Yes, I definitely placed my bid. I click on the link next to Bid History to see what had happened. Wait a second... someone placed a bid for a higher price than me in the 1-2 seconds of time that was remaining?! F*K!!! The above story is something that us EBay snipers have come to experience on occasion - those occasions being the times when we get out-sniped by someone who had a higher ceiling (in other words, larger wallet or bank account) for a particular item. This happened to me today, but it was the worst case that I think I had ever experienced and one that really confused me when it's all said and done. Keep reading. I had been collecting Nintendo Powers for some time, especially Super Power Supplies catalogs. I go after sealed issues which contains the catalogs and magazine (brand new in bag). I had been watching a particular item that ended this afternoon, and made all of the necessary preparations to make sure I was in front of a computer and really ready to snipe the sht out of this issue that I desperately needed/wanted. As it turns out, I got out-sniped by someone that must be related to either Bill Gates or Donald Trump. Here is the bid history, with the item ending at 13:41:14 (1:41 PM, 14 seconds) 12:56:24, e*a bids $10.00 13:41:01, ddr2nite bids $50.01 13:41:06, br bids $51.01 Now, I had no intention of really buying a single magazine for $50. While it's true that I've paid more than that for a collector's issue in the past, but I hadn't anticipated that this auction would really go that high. I just wanted to beat someone who might throw down a bid for like $20 or something. I gave myself some extra time (I bid with 13 seconds left) just in case, but whoever this guy is... bid the minimum required ($1) to beat my high bid. I know how to look up the winning bidders of auctions, so I immediately looked up his profile. Here he is: http://myworld.ebay.com/baby_u_can_drive_my_car I don't know who this guy is, but some of the latest items he bought were definitely some high priced items. Here are a couple to highlight: - Nintendo Media Press Kit (1995 E3) ended at $210.37 - Nintendo Media Press Kit (1993 CES) ended at $341.90 Whoever this person is, he is definitely a collector who goes after NES, SNES, and N64 boxed items. After going through his feedback page of items he's bought, he also goes after a lot of retro paper goods, and apparently also has a thing for Bevis & Butthead. I don't know who he is, but I really want to punch him in the face for spending such a ridiculous amount of money on something that should've been mine for much less. He knows how to use and search EBay for sure, as I see a lot of really rare stuff that he's managed to find. If this guy ever read this post, I want to say congratulations - and I want to shake your hand. Only to then knee you in the balls when you least expect it
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


TNT737373	Dec 6 2011, 11:44 PM Post #2
Veteran Posts: 1,371 Group: Senior Members Member #567 Joined: July 21, 2011	That was an awesome story. lol. I had chills, could feel that countdown.



Alice Lawless	Dec 7 2011, 01:05 PM Post #3
N64 collection completed 7/29/12 Posts: 1,509 Group: Senior Members Member #260 Joined: January 12, 2010	Dude you won't believe this sweet deal I got on this magazine on eBay this afternoon. Only spent $51.01! Kidding!! I've been out-sniped like that before. It sucks hard
	Facebook: STIK ROSS 297/296 NTSC N64 [100%] (Zelda GOLD) 7/7 PAL N64 [100%]


Flare Dancer	Dec 7 2011, 03:19 PM Post #4
Senior Member Posts: 404 Group: Senior Members Member #635 Joined: October 13, 2011	One time, I bid on something, then later found out that I didn't need it. I was very happy to get outbid in that case. Edited by Flare Dancer, Dec 7 2011, 03:19 PM.



jonebone	Dec 8 2011, 07:36 AM Post #5
Senior Member Posts: 717 Group: Senior Members Member #465 Joined: March 17, 2011	I haven't run into that guy yet, but I know IonEIFalcon (NA) has lost a great deal of auctions to him as well. Like these two: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250937561992 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250937526511 I go after random press kits and such too, but not at those prices. Also, $50 for a lot of NPs & Power Catalogs that are in nice condition doesn't seem like a ton of money. And finally, get a sniping program man. I haven't been at the computer to manually snipe an auction since 2008. Automated snipers are free and have worked for me 100% of the time. Not to mean I win 100% of the items, but I've never had a snipe not register unless the bidding had already exceeded it. It also allows you to win items for less than the minimum required bid amount sometimes. Unfortunately the link has long since died, but I won my Xtreme Green controller by 1 penny. I can't remember the exact amount, but it was something like 23.77 to his 23.76. Was actually pretty hilarious, you don't get em that close that often.



ddr2nite	Dec 8 2011, 09:52 AM Post #6
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	jonebone Dec 8 2011, 07:36 AM Also, $50 for a lot of NPs & Power Catalogs that are in nice condition doesn't seem like a ton of money. He paid $51.01 for ONE single issue of Nintendo Power that was sealed. It wasn't even a collector's issue or anything, it was volume #95. http://www.ebay.com/itm/130610606793 I EBay messaged this guy, asking him who in the world he is and who in their right mind would pay so much for a single issue. No response.
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


jonebone	Dec 8 2011, 11:00 AM Post #7
Senior Member Posts: 717 Group: Senior Members Member #465 Joined: March 17, 2011	ddr2nite Dec 8 2011, 09:52 AM jonebone Dec 8 2011, 07:36 AM Also, $50 for a lot of NPs & Power Catalogs that are in nice condition doesn't seem like a ton of money. He paid $51.01 for ONE single issue of Nintendo Power that was sealed. It wasn't even a collector's issue or anything, it was volume #95. http://www.ebay.com/itm/130610606793 I EBay messaged this guy, asking him who in the world he is and who in their right mind would pay so much for a single issue. No response. Ha, yeah that is a bit crazy. Be thankful you made him pay much more than he wanted to at least



ddr2nite	Dec 8 2011, 01:21 PM Post #8
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	jonebone Dec 8 2011, 11:00 AM Be thankful you made him pay much more than he wanted to at least Yea... take THAT you a-hole rich bidder
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


lithium017	Dec 8 2011, 01:27 PM Post #9
Is Now Posting With Power Posts: 1,416 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #235 Joined: October 1, 2009	ddr in all honesty, you are the rich sniper with excessive amounts of money to be spent on N64 items just like he is. Many people would consider what we pay for N64 collectibles to be ridiculous and insane just as you see his purchases as somewhat insane. I am at least aware of my insanity towards collecting.
	Click For Nintendo Collecting Youtube Page N64 Consoles: 16 / 16 N64 Controllers 29 / 30 N64 Accessories: 8 / 10 NES: 32 --- SNES: 133 --- N64: 64 --- Gamecube: 78--- Wii: 75 --- WiiU: 14


ddr2nite	Dec 8 2011, 01:47 PM Post #10
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	I'm pretty aware of how much I spend, in fact I track 99% of the items that I've bought in a large spreadsheet and also include among it the items that I've resold to help with this hobby (or obsession). I don't mind being called a rich sniper (I never claimed that I wasn't) and I was just venting about how vexed I was at the amount the dude spent on this item. Am I a hypocrite? You bet. But what does peeve me off a little bit is your claim "I am at least aware of my insanity towards collecting". I'm fully-aware, thank you very much. In fact, I'm willing to stake that I am less insane than you, in the sense that I'm focused on a particular set of things (N64 controllers) which is why I am able to funnel my funds into them. You're different, but not THAT different - in the sense that your list of items you pick up are vast (SNES, N64, GameCube, Wii, ranging from games to peripherals to accessories to collectible action figures to posters to... the list goes on and on). It's all relative. I am a "rich" sniper because I focus, and I have a well paying job and not a lot of heavy responsibilities (i.e. school or family). Don't get me wrong, I put more into investments (stocks, etc.) and preparing/saving for the future when I'm ready to start a family or buy a house or go on a vacation out of the country. I have money, but I'm not wasting it willy-nilly like some young teenager or someone in their early 20's who is working a minimum wage job and living at home with their parents. Not to say that I have anything against younger people who are responsible and fully committed/passionate about collecting. I just don't think that at their stage in life, they should be going around dropping $200-$300+ on video game accessories without a stable income + path in life.
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


zar	Dec 8 2011, 04:23 PM Post #11
Senior Member Posts: 308 Group: Senior Members Member #440 Joined: February 18, 2011	Problem with me is I often forget and miss the end of auctions...I hate when you click bid then it takes you to a login screen.



ddr2nite	Dec 8 2011, 04:36 PM Post #12
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	zar Dec 8 2011, 04:23 PM I hate when you click bid then it takes you to a login screen. Been there... several times. That's why it's important to logout/login 5 minutes before the auction ends
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


Paulson	Dec 8 2011, 07:28 PM Post #13
Newbie Posts: 1 Group: Members Member #688 Joined: December 8, 2011	Use a sniping service and 'set it and forget it'. http://www.hidbid.com (bidball, auctionsniper, etc) is a good service to use. Just remember that regardless of when your bid is placed, it still has to be the highest to win. EXCEPT, when 2 bids are the same or there isn't enough difference between them to meet ebay's minimum bid increment. In that case, the 1st one in wins. So, if people were completely rational, the best strategy would be to bid the second an auction is listed. I'd stick with sniping. (Automated) sniping is a convenience for people that want to avoid drawing early attention to an item, and 'nibbling' bidders (bidders who will bid the minimun increment over and over until they're the high bid), both of which normally result in a higher final price. If you have the time, you can do it manually. A couple more benefits of sniping: 1. Sniping is actually a way of combatting shill bidding - when the seller or his buddy bids on the item until they're the high bid, and know your max, then retract their bid, and use yet another account to bid on the item, bidding just below your max. You don't give the shiller time to retract their bid in order to leave you as the high bidder, close to your max. You can't do much about a shill bidder letting their bid ride to the end of the auction, if it just raises but doesn't exceed yours. Also, look out for 2nd chance offers, as they would be a reason for the shiller to let their shill bid ride, you may want to decline any and look for a different seller with the same item. Unless of course, the price seems ok with you, even though possible artificially jacked up. 2. You can just cancel a snipe with up to 2 or 3 minutes before the end of an auction, if you change your mind about bidding on an item, and your bid won't be placed. If you place a bid on ebay and then retract it (not a seller's or ebay's favorite thing), you can be blocked from bidding on other auctions after doing this a few times, not sure what that # is. Anyone bidding on ebay should understand ebay's proxy bidding system (increases your bid only until it is the high, or it has been exceeded), and have an idea about their bid increments: http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/bid-increments.html http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/buy/bid-increments.html http://pages.ebay.de/help/buy/bid-increments.html



lithium017	Dec 9 2011, 02:06 AM Post #14
Is Now Posting With Power Posts: 1,416 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #235 Joined: October 1, 2009	ddr2nite Dec 8 2011, 01:47 PM But what does peeve me off a little bit is your claim "I am at least aware of my insanity towards collecting". I'm fully-aware, thank you very much. In fact, I'm willing to stake that I am less insane than you, in the sense that I'm focused on a particular set of things (N64 controllers) which is why I am able to funnel my funds into them. You're different, but not THAT different - in the sense that your list of items you pick up are vast (SNES, N64, GameCube, Wii, ranging from games to peripherals to accessories to collectible action figures to posters to... the list goes on and on). It's all relative. I am a "rich" sniper because I focus, and I have a well paying job and not a lot of heavy responsibilities (i.e. school or family). Don't get me wrong, I put more into investments (stocks, etc.) and preparing/saving for the future when I'm ready to start a family or buy a house or go on a vacation out of the country. I have money, but I'm not wasting it willy-nilly like some young teenager or someone in their early 20's who is working a minimum wage job and living at home with their parents. Not to say that I have anything against younger people who are responsible and fully committed/passionate about collecting. I just don't think that at their stage in life, they should be going around dropping $200-$300+ on video game accessories without a stable income + path in life. Very good and valid points. We all have our vices and playing video games and collecting for them is one of my major ones. Early on in collecting I was not only breaking even, but making a profit on buying and reselling what I did not want or need. It is the rarer items that kill the bank which is what makes collecting tough when I am young. Just thinking of when I get older and have actual income to put into collecting makes my head spin. Back on topic- getting out sniped sucked but being the sniper on a good item feels awesome. If we won every single time it would make it feel less awesome. I would use a automatic bidder maybe in the future but for now I enjoy playing the game myself.
	Click For Nintendo Collecting Youtube Page N64 Consoles: 16 / 16 N64 Controllers 29 / 30 N64 Accessories: 8 / 10 NES: 32 --- SNES: 133 --- N64: 64 --- Gamecube: 78--- Wii: 75 --- WiiU: 14

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