How Sniping Works

[SpadesHeart]

I just had a question on how sniping works. To my understanding, sniping sites like this would analyze the current maximum bid on the product, look at the amount you put as your maximum, and then bid to the next bidding increment within the last 5 seconds so long as your maximum bid is still over this amount.

If this is incorrect, then I'm assuming gixen just takes the maximum bid you input on the site, and bids that in the last few seconds.

Which is correct?

[SpadesHeart]

FOR EXAMPLE:

Version 1:

Item is going at 100 dollars, bidding increment is 1 dollar.

What I'm willing to pay is 150

Gixen makes sure the item is going for 100 in the last few seconds, then bids 101 since that's below what I'm willing to pay.

Version 2

I input 150 into gixen, and it bids that in the last few seconds.

[Cupid]

The second is correct.

You do not generally know what the current high bidders' maximum bid actually is, by looking at the current bidding.

There are many reasons why the first method would not work, a couple for you to consider are:

{1} Gixen would have to bid multiple times up to your maximum, there is not time to for that in the last few seconds even for an automated system,

{2} You do not know whether another bidder is going to bid nearly as much as your maximum at the last second... you maximum bid must be placed with eBay before the end of the auction for it to count.

That does not mean that you necessarily pay that much because eBays' bidding system ensures that you pay no more than one bid increment more than the second highest bidder was prepared to bid.
_________________
Mark

[SpadesHeart]

[Gixen]

[Sumflow]

Snipping is delayed bidding, nothing more.