Garth Libre wrote: "...This year it's gotten worse - much worse. Even newbies to ebay are using special software which enables them to get an advantage over guys that played by the rules (like me). Today I became an card carrying sniper..."
Everyone plays by the same rules, everyone has a chance to bid before the auction ends, you can even put in a proxy bid to protect yourself from being outbid in the end. Usually, the people I see complaining the most about ebay, are the ones that follow an auction while it's below value for the item, and bid small increments, assuming they will get it for below what it's worth. In the end, though, bidders will come in and bid what the item is actually worth.
I love ebay, where else can you find so many one-of-a-kind things, or very specific things that you are interested in? If I'm watching something on auction for 6 days that I know should have a value somewhere around $1000 I decide in my mind what I'm prepared to bid for it, and wait for the end of the auction to bid, to avoid the buzz of people bidding another $10 in hopes they will get it. I mean, if the item sits at $327 bucks for 5 days and 23 hours do you really think a bid of $350 is gonna get it if it really is worth more like $1000? Use the proxy bid to your advantage.
Classic content: I've bought and sold a TON of vintage lightweight stuff on ebay. (and wristwatches, cameras, guitars, amps...etc...)
Steve DeOreo
North Canton, OH USA