There is a piece on eBay I really want with a reserve. There hasn't been a lot of interest, but it hasn't hit the reserve yet either so I don't know what it is. What is my best strategy? Should I bid it up NOW to see what the reserve is (thus indicating my interest to the other bidder?) or should I just set a snipe with the absolute highest amount that I'm willing to pay and if the reserve is what I would call "unreasonable" then I just don't get it.
Best strategy for something I really want WITH a reserve.
- Thread starter backstageAntics
- Start date
I am pretty brazen with sellers like that, and email them to inform them that if they want my bid, it would be more likely to happen if they were to disclose their reserve price.
I usually say it in a nice way that still gets the point across:
"Hello, I realize that you are in no way obligated to tell me the reserve price but I have my own policy of not bidding on items with a mystery reserve price.
If you would kindly consider telling me what it is, I will be able to consider giving you the price you would like on this item, which saves me the trouble of playing a guessing game on a mystery price, and saves you the problem of being hit with a fee and left with an unsold item if no one meets the reserve price. A win-win for both of us.
Best regards, your potential buyer."
LOL, I love your letter. That's awesome! there's not long to go now, though, so I think I will just snipe it, but certainly take it under advisement for next time.
I'm going to set it right at the highest I can stand to pay because it's definitely something I want and is kind of unusual as well.
Edited to add: what happens if two bidders are using sniper services?
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Yes, that's just proxy bidding. The reserve doesn't seem to alter the bid pattern. I was *lower* than the reserve but still put in a good bid and my highest bid didn't show up until someone else pushed it up.
Snipe is set, cross your fingers for me!
