Glenn,

I always thought it was the casinos that were keeping the collectors from colleting.. with those limited releases. They only made 20 of one of the chips I need for my collection. I hate getting outbid too.. but it happens all the time. Here are a few possible solutions.

1) Bid the maximum amount you are willing to pay. Even if you are not the high bidder it gives you the satisfaction of making sure whoever stole that chip from you paid a fair price for it. There is also a good possibility that the seller has multiples of this chip and if your bid is reasonable he may make you a "second chance offer" through eBay.

2) Check out JackpotAuctions.com Not nearly as much competition there so you have a good chance of being the only bidder.

3) Post a pic of the chip you are looking for on the Board here with a Wanted tag. Many folks here have lots of extra chips laying around and when they see that another collector needs them for his collection they are very happy to trade them or sell them very reasonably.

4) Check out dealers' fixed price lists. Many of the dealers here have fixed price lists. Since they are selling direct and not paying all those fees to eBay for listing, selling commission, and PayPal percentages, they can offer the same chip for a better price. Most of them will post a link to their website on the chipboard here fairly regularly. Just save those sites to your favorites and check them regularly to see what new bargains they are offering. Some items will seem overpriced and others will be great bargains. Just shop around and buy what you consider a good deal. I have purchased chips from the fixed price lists of severeal dealers here and have without exception received excellent service.

5) Set up a web page with your want list on it so others here know what chips you are looking for. Brian Watts has generously set up a site called "The Collection Library" http://www.collectionlibrary.com/scripts/EVisions.dll?SF_ShowPage('home.evt')&EvApp=mls.5001&sPageName=Home
for all members to list their want lists, traders and collections. It is FREE to all members and greatly facilitates trading and finding the chips on your want list. Try setting up your want list on there.. you certainly can't beat the price.

I am really curious now what the chip is that started all this.. If I have one, I will make you a great deal on it. I enjoy finding chips that are on people's want lists.