I can see how it can reduce the amount that a seller gets but in general sniping does not have to be that bad for the seller. Every case I have done it was in response to another bidder not to take advantage of a low open from a seller. The seller still sold the item for, what I consider, a fair price. In cases where I watch an item and bid late when there have been no bids I still place a reasonable proxy bid. That is usually because I want to think about something. Besides, if you bid at the last minute on an item with no bids and win, no harm to the seller because if you didn't bid the item wouldn't have sold at all. That is why I think some sellers should be careful about puting low opens on their auctions to avoid eBay fees. As a buyer should place a proxy for what they honestly would buy for a seller should place minimums somewhere around what they feel is fair to sell. Otherwise they took a gamble with a low open and lost. I have always placed my bid a couple hours or so before end and others have had a chance to bid against me. As I mentioned I only snipe when I am in serious competition for an Item that I really want or that is important that I win. I will then make sure I am online when those items close. Otherwise there is really nothing that is so important that I don't make an advance bid and take my chances.