Sniping tools

[digibloke]

Hey all. I'm considering trying one of these for the first time and was wondering whether they're generally thought to be a good idea? I've found several sites offering free snipes but I'm quite worried about giving my ebay password to just any old Tom Dick or Harry. Are they generally legit and reliable?

(These late nights/early mornings trying to catch the end of US auctions are killing me and the "bid then go to bed" method just keeps ending in Ed outbidding me by a dollar )

[Fitron]

Use a sniper on Ed - that'll solve the problems *

I use auction sniper and have found it to be pretty useful and free. The pay ones offer a closer to the finish option (last few seconds as opposed to 10-15 seconds before the auction ends) but this is not worth paying for - if you're going to be outbid it disn't matter when you place it.

*that was a joke just in case certain members get ideas....

[Led-Time]

Digibloke,

Get yourself a stopwatch (led of course ) and just sit and wait, although no good for through the night and during working hours, Ok I'll just shut up bad idea...

[bucko170]

I have used Hammer Snipe on several occasions over the last couple of years.

I had some initial reservations regarding divulging passwords etc, but I have not experienced any difficulties in using the service.

I agree with the previous comment regarding only using the free service, the only occasion I have paid for the snipe is when I ran out of free ones (the limit is 3 snipes per week.)

Registering items for bidding is simple and I have always found the service to be reliable - it has never failed to register my bid.

I find it convenient to use snipe for the early morning or late night bids and also during times when getting to the computer is not possible.

I have also used it to stop auction fever setting in and prevent me from getting bid happy - this has proved to be a handy money saver!

The only fault with the service I can think off is that it somtimes appears to register my bid a few seconds earlier than what is stated by Hammer Snipe - no big deal though.

[bruce wegmann]

I never use them. Seriously, if an item is that important, I want my own finger on the "confirm bid" button; time of day is irrelevant to me. I realize not everyone may have that luxury, but I won't take any chances if it means possibly missing an item that might not reappear for months or years.

[digibloke]

Ta very much for the comments. I guess if it's possible to sit with your finger on the button at an auctions end then that's the best way to do it. It can really get the adrenalin pumping if it's an item you've been waiting for for ages. If I'm buying a beater just for the "not tested" module at 4 am Denmark time then I think sniping is the way forward.

[jonny_afghan]

I use bidnapper

I've found it very good and reliable.

As a general point, this sniping services help prevent any Shill bidding. You set the price you are happy to pay and forget about it.