Rational to Mirror & Offset Settings

[Tommonew1]

Hi,

It is probably obvious but I am unsure about the Offset and Mirror. I basically understand them as two different servers, with the Mirror as a backup to put a bid in should the first/main server fail.

If that is not correct, please explain it to me.

Also please explain the rational with the settings of the Offset and Mirror each being indepenably adjustable to have your bid made from 2 to 16 seconds before the action end. That is, what are the advantages/disadvantages to different or equal bidding times between the Offset and Mirror?

Thanks

[Cupid]

Yes, the Main and Mirror are two separate servers in different locations that both try to place the bid you specify as your snipe amount at the offset that you specify for them, they do that independently of each other.

It is because there is no universal agreement about what offset settings are 'best' that they have values that can be set individually for each snipe.

Personally, I have both offsets the same at an amount longer before the auction end than the default of 6 seconds. That is because I want the advantage of the bid increment and first bid rules on Ebay in my favour. Others always prefer later bids as, in their view, the later the bid the better, because they think it reduces the chances of any reactionary bids that could push the price up or result in a lost auction... personally, I don't believe there are many that go to the trouble of trying to react to bids later than 10 seconds before auction end, and if there are any they are, in my opinion, wasting their time anyway, and once the realise that they are, they stop trying to do it and use an automated service like this in preference.

When you have both offsets the same sometimes both servers manage to place the bids at the same time and this is visible on the bid history page on Ebay. Since that indicates that you are using an automated service some people don't like that and so they prefer a different offset for each server, then you only ever get one bid on Ebay. Personally I have never had an issue with this, hence my choice to have both the same.

The servers are independent therefore they each need a setting for the offset, sure they could use the same one, but as already explained some prefer different ones... so the choice is also yours as to which server you prefer to get the first chance to place the bid, and when.

I am sure others may have differing opinions about this... as I say, to some extent that is the point of allowing flexibility... but personally I don't think there are great advantages with any settings that you choose the differences in outcome are relatively marginal and only have a significant effect over a large number of snipes, whatever your choices are.
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Mark

[Tommonew1]

Thanks Mark,
I understand your reply and I appreciate the time taken and for helping me.

Tommo