Poll: Would you bid on an eBay coin where the seller claims he uses anti-snipe software?

K6AZ · January 12, 2005 1:41AM

Only two choices: Yes or No.

UncleJoe · January 12, 2005 1:45AM

Please clarify "anti-snipe".

Joe.

ms70 · January 12, 2005 1:49AM

Is there a such thing? If so how does it work?

Gee, I think I'd like to buy that program so I can hold down the profit on my auctions.......

K6AZ · January 12, 2005 1:51AM

<< Please clarify "anti-snipe".

Joe. >>

<< NOTE: Please do not think you can snipe it at the end for a penny because I might just end my auctions if you want what you see, then just bid your best bid now before its too late! >>

dthigpen · January 12, 2005 1:51AM

Yes, I would.

jcping · January 12, 2005 1:52AM

Who cares the "anti-snipe software?"

RYK · January 12, 2005 1:53AM

Yes. I would just use my anti-anti-snipe softare to jam his anti-snipe software.

UncleJoe · January 12, 2005 1:55AM

It appears whether I would bid on such an auction would take care of itself.

I would not change the way I bid (99% snipe). When it was time to bid on that auction if I was interested, I would be able to bid or not, sellers call.

Joe.

BigGreek · January 12, 2005 1:56AM

Yes. Auctions are about information. The claim of anti-snipe
software is bogus, but it may scare off snipers which would
result in a lower price. Since I know there is no such thing
as anti-snipe software, I would try to snipe.

K6AZ · January 12, 2005 1:59AM

Hmmm, perhaps I should have posed the question of would you bid your max with more than 12 hours remaining.

MORGANHUNTER2 · January 12, 2005 1:59AM

I'm gonna snipe into the anti snipe ware and fix it so it snipes it self aloowing me to snipe the item away from other snipers- especially the 15 packs of coins that have no packaging to them, because they were thrown away moments before they got there.....So anti snipe this message to this thread.

MIS - using cobalt? fortran? amusing thought- systems that have been antiquated for 15 years....Maybe I can hack his software programs and set up snipes to buy before it hits the ebay floor.

pharmer · January 12, 2005 1:59AM

If God had intended that there not be sniping on ebay, She would not have created it thusly. No.

Sphinx357 · January 12, 2005 1:59AM

Such thing does not exist. Even if it did yes I would bid on said item if I wanted it.

RYK · January 12, 2005 2:00AM

perhaps I should have posed the question of would you bid your max with more than 12 hours remaining.

Edit the question and swap the "yes" and "no" answers. It's your poll.

UncleJoe · January 12, 2005 2:00AM

Hmmm, perhaps I should have posed the question of would you bid your max with more than 12 hours remaining.

NO.

Joe.

DrWho · January 12, 2005 2:03AM

Yes.

ebay ain't auction anymore (if it ever was). its flea market/retail. want the thrill of an auction, go to a 'live' one, lotsa fun, snipe there (common). you pay for what you get. you snipe on ebay, then eat the shilling/fraudsters with it, and the anti-snipers.

flaminio · January 12, 2005 2:03AM

Yes, I would. It's kind of like a game of chicken -- see who flinches first, my robo-sniper, or his anti-sniper.

Anti-snipe software sounds like the dumbest idea on the planet. Why would someone implement software on their auction to deliberately deny bids? It's just silly.

K6AZ · January 12, 2005 2:04AM

<< perhaps I should have posed the question of would you bid your max with more than 12 hours remaining.

Edit the question and swap the "yes" and "no" answers. It's your poll.

>>

But 18 people have already voted with the current question. Maybe I'll run another poll later.

The point I'm trying to make to Jon (and others) is that overbearing auction terms turn off potential bidders. Right now, and I understand this is a small sample, half the people would hit the back button. That a significant loss of potential bidders.

jdsinva · January 12, 2005 2:09AM

<< Hmmm, perhaps I should have posed the question of would you bid your max with more than 12 hours remaining. >>

I don't use sniping services, I do all my sniping in person. The only way I would bid my max with more than 12 hours remaining is if it was a coin I really wanted and I knew I wouldn't have access to eBay at the end time. Otherwise, no I would not, I would attempt to snipe.

Jeff

BAJJERFAN · January 12, 2005 2:10AM

How does the anti-snipe software differentiate between a bid placed by a bidder and a bid placed by the sniper program?

jdsinva · January 12, 2005 2:14AM

<< MIS - using cobalt? fortran? amusing thought- systems that have been antiquated for 15 years....Maybe I can hack his software programs and set up snipes to buy before it hits the ebay floor. >>

Uh, I'm not familar with cobalt, maybe that would be COBOL? FORTRAN is quite alive and well among the engineers where I work. Anti-anti-sniping software is another matter all together!

Jeff

Russ · January 12, 2005 2:24AM

<< << NOTE: Please do not think you can snipe it at the end for a penny because I might just end my auctions if you want what you see, then just bid your best bid now before its too late! >> >>

The seller sounds like a weenie.

Russ, NCNE

Shamika · January 12, 2005 2:34AM

If the seller had a coin I was interested in, I would bookmark the auction and come back just before the auction ended. If the auction ended early, too bad for the seller. He just walked away from money on the table.

But then again, it's not about the money. Right?

ttown · January 12, 2005 2:36AM

It sounds like we have a lot of dealers and naïve Ebay bidders on this board. Lets say I’m building a Franklin collection and I notice the same person keeps bidding on the coins I’m going after, all one has to do is bookmark that ID and follow what that user is bidding on and let him do all the work. Bid early and have games played on you and the dealer’s benefit.

My advice is don’t post your big wins on this board or you’ll have people tracking you and don’t bid early to tip people off on what you might want to bid on. I’ve had many of folks over the years bid up my bid from a .25 to a dollar at a time and stop before winning the auction with me having a bid of maybe a nickel over theirs. And like most of us I returned the favor, It pisses me off so much I can’t help it!

One of my best deals I won was a 14k clamshell hunter pocket watch made by Illinois; it was a 24 jewel Bunn Special worth about 3 grand. The antiques store in California had it listed as an Illinois hunter and only in the description did they add the case was 14k gold. The watch without a case will bring over a grand and the clamshell case is very heavy for a 14k case as well as rare since most were melted for their gold content. I waited until about 30 seconds and bid $2000 dollars and won it for $1500. If I’d bid on this watch early all those following me would have got what I won with my hard work searching hundreds of auctions.

Coinhusker1 · January 12, 2005 2:39AM

The seller is an idiot. He is only screwing himself.

K6, post a link. I would like to see this listing.

jdsinva · January 12, 2005 2:45AM

<< The seller is an idiot. He is only screwing himself.

K6, post a link. I would like to see this listing. >>

Link

ttown · January 12, 2005 2:46AM

Sounds like a nice racket for a seller wanting one of his friends shill bid a buyer (sucker) up if his friend(s) have the lead in the last minute he cancels their bids and leaves the sucker holding the bag. Thus getting the max out of his auctions! All with the excuse he’s helping you! The newbee catch on quick and don’t need to be protected.

Coinhusker1 · January 12, 2005 2:51AM

<< 

<< The seller is an idiot. He is only screwing himself.

K6, post a link. I would like to see this listing. >>

Link >>

OK, where is the part about "anti-snipe" software??

jdsinva · January 12, 2005 2:54AM

<< OK, where is the part about "anti-snipe" software?? >>

It's the link in the first message of that thread. . .sorry about that. Read the auction description.

Jeff

Coinhusker1 · January 12, 2005 3:01AM

<< 

<< OK, where is the part about "anti-snipe" software?? >>

It's the link in the first message of that thread. . .sorry about that. Read the auction description.

Jeff >>

I did read the auction, and saw nothing about anti-snipe software. Perhaps K6 inferred that from the auction description. However, if there is such as thing as "anti-snipe software" I would be interested to know how it works.

Now, if you end an auction with more than 12 hours left, I guess that does not violate Ebay rules (not sure if you can pull it if you have bidders, though). But even if you were tempted to yank it with 12 hours left, if you have a lot of "watchers", it would be foolish. Those "watchers" will likely turn into snipers who will bid up the auction to fair value or even higher.

Russ · January 12, 2005 3:04AM

<< to even the playing field we use anti snipe software which will randomly end auctions early from 5 sec to 1 minute throwing off the snipe.... >>

Russ, NCNE

GoYankees · January 12, 2005 3:08AM

I voted "no".

With all due respect to the seller, I don't like being told how to bid.

Sniping is the reality of internet auctions. Trying to regulate sniping is akin to the goverment regulating the free market.

Moreover, sniping often benefits the seller. If there's a popular coin on eBay on a Sunday night, more than likely there would be several snipe attempts for that item, resulting in the winner paying through the nose.

JMHO

Coinhusker1 · January 12, 2005 3:09AM

<< 

<< to even the playing field we use anti snipe software which will randomly end auctions early from 5 sec to 1 minute throwing off the snipe.... >>

Russ, NCNE >>

Thanks, Russ. DUH!! it was in the thread, not the listing.

Terrific. He openly admits to violating Ebay policy on a public message board. That sure will attract more bidders!

ttown · January 12, 2005 3:14AM

<< 

<< to even the playing field we use anti snipe software which will randomly end auctions early from 5 sec to 1 minute throwing off the snipe.... >>

Russ, NCNE >>

Well the seller can only do 2 things “End the auction early” and “Cancel bids”. Not that it’s happening here but if one wanted too you could.

1. Make a table in your program with all your coin buds (shill bidders)
2. Use logic to “End the auction” anytime under a minute that one of your buds aren’t the winner.
3. Cancel their bid the last 10 seconds of an auction with the excuse of preventing sniping

Then you could say your ending them at random, but it’s really tied to who is winning the auction isn’t it.
BEWARE THIS ISN’T YOUR FRIEND!

pharmer · January 12, 2005 3:22AM

The poll would gave been more enlightening if everyone like Coinhusker knew the comments of the seller from the previous thread before voting here. I voted no, there are many other ways to prevent the potential harm he worries about that are within the rules.

BASEagle · January 12, 2005 3:24AM

It's irrational that a seller would not want the highest bid for his merchandise. Not up for doing business with irrational people. Life is too short to get into a hassle with someone who's not hitting on all cylinders.

Mike

Barry · January 12, 2005 3:28AM

I'd bid, but not my max. Maybe 75% of max 12 hours before the end. If someone is dumb enough to end their auction early to prevent sniping, they don't deserve to get the full value.

ss350camaro · January 12, 2005 3:28AM

no

bearcave · January 12, 2005 3:37AM

I don't have any anti-snipe on my auctions so bid away in the last second!

Who said that??

tlhoy · January 12, 2005 3:39AM

NOTE: Please do not think you can snipe it at the end for a penny because I might just end my auctions if you want what you see, then just bid your best bid now before its too late!

I would never bid on this persons auctions. NEVER! The line above is just an excuse to end an auction early because he doesn't like what its about to sell for!
He should start his auction at his minimum sell price or put a reserve price on it!

Glenn

Edit to add: Bid what you like because all my auctions are the Real Deal! My Auction Never have a Reserve - So someone always really wins….

Unless you end the auction early!

GoYankees · January 12, 2005 3:39AM

<< It's irrational that a seller would not want the highest bid for his merchandise. Not up for doing business with irrational people. Life is too short to get into a hassle with someone who's not hitting on all cylinders.

Mike >>

Actually I think I see the seller's reasoning for doing this. He/she could be theorizing that sniping is discouraging many people from bidding. Therefore, by making a bold anti-sniping staement, the seller probably believes that it would not only attract potenial bidders but encourage them to increase their high bids. Whether this is true or not, I still would bid under these conditions. I like to be in control and I don't use sniping software - I enjoy sniping myself.

Coinhusker1 · January 12, 2005 3:43AM

Sniping programs are good if you can't be there or if the seller stupidly ends the auction at 3:00 am.

Deadhorse · January 12, 2005 3:53AM

I voted yes.

There are some sellers whose auctions I will now not bid on, but not for that reason.

There are sellers who are members here who don't leave feedback. I know it's not a big deal, but if I go to the trouble of leaving positive feedback as a buyer, it would be a decent thing to respond in kind.

They know who they are, I don't need to name names. I guess they figure they've got my money and they really don't give a damn. Fortunately, my ebay ID is nowhere near my CU ID so the connection isn't obvious. I'd hate to think that they'd only leave feedback if they thought the buyer was a member around here and all others can go to heck.

Awhile back I read a post from someone saying he wasn't geting any bids on a decent coin at a good price, it's the kind of coin I would have normally bid on.

I just smiled to myself and thought about Karma. If he had only taken a little time in the past on any one of several autions to leave at least a word or two, he would have sold that coin, or at least had one more interested bidder.

Some people seem to have too much time on their hands. This seller is within his rights to do whatever he wants and I, for one, have already added him to my favorite seller list just because of this bruhaha.

A better question would be; "would you bid on an auction from a rude seller, or a seller who won't leave positive feedback in kind?"

IrishMike · January 12, 2005 4:01AM

A seller has a coin listed that you have been looking to find for a long time, or think is fabulous, etc. and you wouldn't bid on it because they don't allow sniping??? Yeah right.

tlhoy · January 12, 2005 4:03AM

Deadhorse, you'd better not try to return anything you buy from him, because its going to cost you!

I do understand that sometimes it is difficult to purchase from just the picture on Ebay, so I will honor your return with a 15% restocking fee if you contact me within 3 days of receiving the item.

Glenn

RELLA · January 12, 2005 4:04AM

<< if the seller stupidly ends the auction at 3:00 am. >>

Isn't ending an auction at 3:00 am another way to slow down some of the snipers? Maybe the seller could try that out and see how it works for him.

RELLA

techeff · January 12, 2005 4:19AM

Deadhorse · January 12, 2005 4:20AM

<< Deadhorse, you'd better not try to return anything you buy from him, because its going to cost you!

I do understand that sometimes it is difficult to purchase from just the picture on Ebay, so I will honor your return with a 15% restocking fee if you contact me within 3 days of receiving the item.

Glenn >>

Glenn, you make a good point. It doesn't take away from my stated position on this subject, though. They are two separate issues.

I have never returned anything I have ever bought from eBay, so I don't generally factor that in. But I do agree with what you are saying. The restocking charges are something that turns me off.

I applaud this seller simply because he takes a stand on an issue that does piss off alot of eBay buyers. I know how the game works, but years ago when I was a newbie, I had a guy following me around and sniping everything for days. He never made a bid untill that snipe. I figured it out after a bit and returned the favor. He responded with a vulgar, threat filled email to me. I had him NARU'd for it, but I have never forgotten the experience. I now admit sniping is fine if done manually, I admit I do it too. The program snipers should be banned if the mechanism for it can be figured out.

Anyway, your point is taken.

K6AZ · January 12, 2005 4:21AM

This seems to be turning into a roasting session, and that is not what I intended. The fact is, if you browse eBay for a while, you will find many sellers who put some form of this anti-sniping TOS in their auctions, and I will not bid on any of them. As a matter of fact, I only find one out of five auctions one that I would bid on, I have a list of eight things mentioned in an auction that will keep me from bidding.

And Deadhorse, you are correct. As a buyer, I leave feedback when I receive the item, whether or not the seller has posted it first. If that seller doesn't leave feedback after I've posted it for him, he won't get any future business from me.

Baley · January 12, 2005 4:42AM

If it's a coin I must have, and can't find it elsewhere, I will jump through whatever hoops are necessary.

If it's a common item that can be found lots of places, I look for easy terms.

AuldFartte · January 12, 2005 4:51AM

Sure I would ... I don't snipe, or use software that would do it for me. I have nothing against snipers, per se, but it no longer bothers me to lose an auction because of them. If a buyer/sniper wishes to pay more than what I feel the item is worth to me, then so be it.

I would bid on auctions that use anti-snipe software because I feel I MIGHT have a bit better chance of scoring.

Poll: Would you bid on an eBay coin where the seller claims he uses anti-snipe software?

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