Noting wrong with a spirited debate.

As long as no personal attacks come up.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion.

I rarely get sniped because I am usually the only bidder on an item.

But, I suppose when it happens I will be none to happy about it.

I see it as just part of the auction process.

I devised a solution in an earlier post. Actually 2 solutions. One is a good idea. The other maybe not so good.

The not so good solution first.

Bid more than the you feel the item is worth. At first I mention 5% to %10 above what you thought it was worth. On further thought I figure maybe
3% - 5% might be sufficient.

My reasoning. If you get out bid by a sniper of sniping program by $0.01 you won't feel bad because your bid was more than what you actually thought it was worth.

Positive. If you lose you can find humor in the fact the sniper over bid on the item in question.

Negative. If you win you overpaid.

Second solution. Beat the sniper at their game.

Let's say you are willing to place a maximum bid on an item of $10. Make it $10.03 or $10.07 or any number in between the bid incriment.

Reason. If the sniper bids that $10.01 in the final 5 second to out bid you he/she will lose because of your higher bid.

Now if he/she has discovered your high bid then you will lose in because he will by pass in the last 5 seconds.

Best thing there is to have a fast connection and place a bid in the last 5 seconds just like the sniper. You are not guaranteed a win but have increased your odds.

Of course you are now playing the snipers game. And, maybe you don't want to do that.

Just somethings to think about.

Again. Just my opinion here. Feel free to laugh at my bad idea. Just keep it under your hat.

Rick G