The psychology of eBay bidding

MithrilMan

I have 15 or so auctions ending tonight. I find it interesting that people will bid a dollar or two, automatically get proxy outbid, and then bid another dollar two, get proxy outbid, bid another dollar, etc. This is a few hours before the auction ends (i.e. not sniping.) Is there a strategy around this or is it just some sort of "dipping toe in water" psychology? Not that I'm complaining...

itzagoner

where there is method to the madness, there is also madness to the method.

Dpeck100

Some bidders are cautions with every extra dollar they bid.

EBAY is a diverse marketplace and has all kinds.

CollectorAtWork

Some bidders only want to be one increment above the proxy bidders as they don't want to get safety bid later.

grote15

It's all about competitive nature and that is the reason why sellers still run no reserve auctions--I once got over $500 for a GAI 9 1951 Topps Red Back pack because
of a bidding war.

otwcards

There is little rhyme or reason to how some bid in auctions. Some insist on placing an initial bid and then setting a snipe. Others place bids until they have the lead, then watch. Others just set a snipe and forget about it. Trying to figure out how and why will only drive you crazy.

Just wait until the end and you'll have the number that it sells for. Watching and trying to make sense of it before hand will leave you with agita and a fear that it may sell too cheaply.

Unlike auction houses that typically run overtime and require an initial bid to participate in extended bidding, eBay just requires that you have a bid placed that exceeds the current bid before the auction concludes and there are plenty of bidders that utilize that aspect...

Although I'm sure there will be some on the board that will differ in opinion, trying to understand the psychology will make you psychotic.

zurbs17

I'll bid like that to find out how high the current high bid really is.

Dpeck100

I had never given that any thought.

If you bid $1 at a time with a minimum bid increment of $1 you will only tie unless you bid once more to take the lead.

Very interesting.

vladguerrero

Please explain...

nam812

<< <i>........People do this to find the current max without committing themselves to much more....... >>



If you did not speak to all of them, then you can not make this blanket statement, therefore I must disagree with you vehemently on this hobby related issue.

TNP777

<< <i>Please explain... >>

RAWcardDAWG

I like to bid in small increments at the end of auctions. It's more of a psychology thing. Smaller bid increments make it seem like you are spending less money. And there's always that sense of hope with each bid that I'll be able to sneak by the high bidder and win the card. It's kind of addicting.

SidePocket

If it's not a "gotta have it now" card, why not bid like that?

pato1516

I wouldn't be surprised if some people purposely try to look like a shill, in order to discourage others from bidding on items they want.

Mapleleaf

I find that on my auctions, the small increment bidders never seem to win the card. It usually goes to a sniper or the original bidder coming back and raising their initial bid, which sends the small increase bidders away.

mcadams

<< <i>I wouldn't be surprised if some people purposely try to look like a shill, in order to discourage others from bidding on items they want. >>



+1

yankeesman

You never can figure. Last week, I bought on a buy it now a 1988 Topps Football Bo Jackson on top cello for $10.00 bin with 2.95 shipping. At the same time I bought the buy it now, I bid on an auction for the same 1988 Topps Football cello with Bo on top and put a high bid of $12.00 and was automatically outbid. Auction ended up closing for $19.00 final bid with I believe $3.95 shipping. No rhyme or reason I can see.