It is absolutely vital to eBay that the proxy bidding system "works as advertised". It is a system that allows bidders in different time zones (sometimes on opposite sides of the globe) to participate in auctions that are running 24/7/365, without requiring any bidder to physically be present at a computer at any particular time. It also doesn't require a bidder to have a particularly fast or reliable internet connection. These are some of the characteristics that are met by the current format, but could not be met by a traditional "outcry" auction format. The rules for this system are well defined, and many, many, many people around the world bid with confidence that the system will work as expected. It's a fundamental part of that system that the individual with the highest "true maximum" bid wins the auction (assuming that any reserve price has been met).

If, as you suggest, the eBay system were to fail to honor the highest "true maximum" bid in favor of later, lower bids, even occasionally, then I would expect the following:

1) The problem would be documented. People take this stuff seriously, and this would be "call the neighbors, wake the kids" sort of news.

2) We'd be able to read about it from a number of sources - people aren't shy about broadcasting that sort of news.

3) EBay would do something about it. Among other reasons, it would be costing them big money in final value fees!

One problem I have with this is that I can't find any source where the problem you describe is documented. I find plenty of sources, however, that claim that the proxy bidding system works as described. I haven't looked at all of them, but the two automatic bidding services I checked (eSnipe and AuctionSniper) make it clear to their users that their service won't "beat" the proxy bidding system, and that any bid placed by them is just like any other "true max" bid. There are web pages written by eBay enthusiasts discussing the topic of sniping in detail, but again, no mention of beating the proxy bidding system.

If this problem really exists and is as common as you claim, then do you have any idea why I haven't been able to find anything, anywhere to support that position? You don't have to take my word for it. Search to your heart's content. If you find something, then please let me know.

MTUpower, I sincerely respect and admire your technical knowledge of M-B diesels. When I see a post from you, I read it, and I pay attention because I might learn something. I also appreciate your generosity in "sharing the wealth" with those of us who don't have the yards (and the yard savvy) that you do. It would be a real treat to walk the yards with you. If you saw how slim the pickings are up here, you'd believe that!

I'm in no way trying to beat you up on this sniping and proxy bidding thing. I just happen to think that your understanding of it is seriously flawed, and that your anger (over losing some auctions) is getting in the way.


Peace, brother.

Sniping sucks...
until you figure out how to do it.
That's the game. That is what an online auction is. The last voice gets it.

I understand your pain. I used to get real pissed when I lost out, last second. Now I understand the game better, and it is all about sniping. It will never change.

I certainly do not mean to be rude, but sniping is the game. If you don't want to play that game, good choice. If you want to win, snipe.

I have used esnipe with great results.

__________________
Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

Would you please clarify what you mean when you write, "The last voice gets it."?

One does NOT have to snipe to win. One DOES have to register the highest "true maximum" with eBay before the auction closes.

Bidding shortly before the auction close happens to be a good way to do this without allowing "reactionary" bidders time to manually respond to one's bid. It also prevents "bid stalking" - others can't search what one has been bidding on in order to find tasty items up for sale.

Automated bidding services (eSnipe,etc.) happen to be convenient ways to accomplish this.

I, too, have used eSnipe, and it's a great convenience. There's no magic in it, though; I still have to be willing to pay more than the other bidders (if each bids his "true max") in order to win.