Can someone explain this multiple bidding on eBay?

UncleJoe · October 9, 2013 4:48AM

Multiple bids

I have seen second bids many times where once they assume the high bid, they put in another higher bid to try to ensure that they win. I still don't understand why they just don't put in their highest bid to begin with but different strokes. The auction above though really floors me. Why would someone make 5 different bids like that? Does anyone do this and why or any idea why?

Joe.

Edit: To correct number of bids

MedalCollector · October 9, 2013 4:52AM

I think for some people, it's their bidding strategy. I'm not sure of the reasoning behind it, but there are often strange reasons for doing strange things. But then again, maybe they're not strange?!

panexpoguy · October 9, 2013 4:54AM

If I recall correctly on the few times where I have bid and bid higher than the current top bid, but not enough to exceed the bid by the required bid increment, ebay tells me to bid at least 'X' and if I do, it has shown me to have bid twice. Also, some people use multiple snipe tools to win an auction in case one does not work and so it may appear that the person bid 2-3-4 times when all the bids were the same amount.

Placid · October 9, 2013 4:55AM

Maybe so when you look at the items main auction page you see 5 bids.
Makes it look more popular

AUandAG · October 9, 2013 5:09AM

I've done this multiple times. Make a reasonable bid based on instinct. Then do the research when I
get the time only to see that I was way too low. Go back and bid again reflecting my new knowledge.

bob

Placid · October 9, 2013 5:12AM

<< I've done this multiple times. Make a reasonable bid based on instinct. Then do the research when I
get the time only to see that I was way too low. Go back and bid again reflecting my new knowledge.

bob >>

Sure but 5 times in 30 seconds

kryptonitecomics · October 9, 2013 5:13AM

Another thing that can happen is a bid retraction....don't know if that happened in this case but if two people are bidding each other up and one decides to drop out and retract his bid then it will show the other bidder with multiple bids in a row.

Bullsitter · October 9, 2013 7:00AM

I saw an auction last week that had over 100 bids. I checked it out and it was similar to the above. One bidder had over 80 bids a dollar apart.

MsMorrisine · October 9, 2013 8:17AM

<< 

<< I've done this multiple times. Make a reasonable bid based on instinct. Then do the research when I
get the time only to see that I was way too low. Go back and bid again reflecting my new knowledge.

bob >>

Sure but 5 times in 30 seconds

>>

Some do it to feign a moon bid -- as if to say, "don't bid because my second is crazier than the first."

Some are impulse bidders who bid then realize they want it more than that first price

some figure heir first was too low, as mentioned

and apparently here is 1 that is an obsessive 80-bidder

mikefoster71 · October 9, 2013 8:22AM

You are correct about the bidding strategy. I bid multiple times because if I bid, let's use a $20 winning bid. If I bid $20 from the start, many people will keep feeling out the bid because they hate losing. It draws you in. If they bid $12, they bump it just a tad because they hate to feel beaten if it was only $13. Different bidders stretch it to different limits. That's why we win some and we lose some. So, I feel it out, let them hold the bid until the end, then I go my price. Once it's at the end, half feel out for the winning bid and half give up. It is complete strategy for some and it is complete addiction to winning for others.

19Lyds · October 9, 2013 8:23AM

<< Does anyone do this and why or any idea why?

Joe.

Edit: To correct number of bids >>

Because not everybody is perfect.

Why ask why??

fiveNdime · October 9, 2013 8:58AM

looks like they are just increasing at the minumium bid increment, rather than starting where they ended after 5 bids.

Wolf359 · October 9, 2013 11:49AM

Inchworm bidding.

Cougar1978 · October 9, 2013 12:11PM

If using a snipe program they can add extra bid increments if their original bid is outbid. For instance original bid may be at bluesheet, then a few bid increments added on at the last. Its a strategy to outsmart those who put a bid in the last few seconds.