Does anyone use an Ebay sniping service?

StressLess · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 06:13 PM

I was just reading a new book on frugal tips, and they mentioned an Ebay sniping service called bidnip. I looked into it, and realized you have to give them your Ebay username and password so they can bid on the auction for you at the last minute. I decided if I signed up with one of these services, it had better be one I can trust.

There's a long list of them at AuctionBytes, but no reviews. So I wondered if anybody here had a recommendation.

Thanks!

Lpe04 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 08:01 PM

My dad has used one alot in the past, no problems.

I don't understand the point of them though, seeing as Ebay is supposed to do this for you I thought. (smart bidding) Maybe I'm missing something.

GrimJack · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:20 PM

Most of the activity in the bidding process happens in the last couple seconds - all the sniping programs jump in - sitting at home watching the bidding and refreshing the screen puts you in an oxcart racing a greyhound. I do not know that every auction has snipers but if you really want an item, I recommend using a sniping program if you want to compete for it.

ewrealty · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 02:48 PM

I've had mixed results with Ebay. I've gotten some items that were exactly as stated and at a reasonable price. other times, I've received goods that were nowhere near the quality that I thought they would be, or they flat out didn't work. So i guess it's a crap shoot.

Now, i only buy from sellers that have a solid reputation and i steer clear of offers that seem to good to be true. But thats just common sense i guess.

StressLess · #5 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 05:05 PM

For the most part, I've been happy with what I've gotten on Ebay. I can remember two bad experiences. A butter dish that looked like it had been in somebody's basement for 30 years and they didn't even wash it before mailing it to me. Eew; that went right in the trash. And some software that didn't seem kosher. The guy wouldn't let me return it or give me a refund and then left really nasty feedback for me.

Mostly I like to use Buy It Now. In fact if anyone else is bidding on an item, I don't like to bid because I'd hate to make them feel bad if they lost out on something! I just don't have that competitive spirit. Plus, sometimes the auction's going to end when I can't be at the computer, and even if I wanted to up my bid at the last minute, I couldn't. That's why I was thinking of the sniping service.

I'm just really uncomfortable giving my username and password to a third party without being really sure they're legitimate. Well, maybe eventually someone will find this thread and have the name of a good one.

GrimJack · #6 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 07:49 PM

I am happy with the items that I have purchased from E-Bay and part of my search criteria is "buy now" button. I do not have the patience or the attention to bid on anything (maybe I should bid on things, what with ADD and all I would never miss any of the auctions I lost?).