CtahhR Wrote:As for sniping on online auctions, I personally find that practice lacks chivalry. I was waiting for auctions to end to see if I have won and then pay. The paying bit isn't always my favourite part but it is a necessary part of collecting! Picked up a handful of bargains today so I'm happy.
I don't think there's any chivalry around auctions, i only see people elbowing their way to win.
Sniping, in my opinion helps the market and the compulsive bidder alike. I explain why (my 2 cents):
1-By placing a snipe you put the maximum amount of cash you are willing to spend. There's no time to reconsider the bid and raise it (you know the way it goes... you see you are outbid and raise and raise... saing to yourself it's only a few bucks more, it won't make you poor. The same does your opponent and the price flies!).
This is good for your pocket and for the market. Constantly close auctions above the market price of the item seems to me to raise the starting price of the auction.
2-By placing a snipe you do not forget about auctions and you have not to wake up at 3am to place a bid.
This is good for your rest and for your collection. I can't remember how many times i forgot to place a bid!
3-By placing a snipe you usually keep a low profile on an auction. The lower the bidders the better.
This, again, is good for you pockets.
4-By placing a conditional snipe you can bid on multiple items of a kind. No need to bid on all or control the auctions.
Pockets and collection gonna love.
5-You can choose to take into account shipping fees on the bid. So you are sure you won't forget them and you don't go out of budget.
This is for the absent-minded, like me.
6-...
This is my opinion only. As i said: my 2 cents.