| Bidding for a bargain is all part of the exciting eBay | | | | Some sniping programs can be downloaded. With |
| experience. But what can really disappoint is when | | | | others, you place your bid through a special sniping |
| you're all set to win that fantastic, gold plated gizmo | | | | website. You can then wander off, play golf or |
| and someone else just beats your bid in the very last | | | | whatever, knowing that your bid will be made - in the |
| minute. | | | | dying moments - for that 'must have' special item. |
| This trixy technique is called 'sniping' and is perfectly | | | | And it's all very simple to activate. |
| legal. It's very annoying when someone does it to you | | | | You just enter the details of each auction you're |
| but it can be a most effective way to win auctions...but | | | | interested in (i.e. the auction number) and the maximum |
| only if you're able to keep a constant eye on the listing | | | | amount you're prepared to pay for the item. And |
| and have a computer all fired up and ready to go. | | | | here's the really sneaky part! The program then lodges |
| But, we're faced with a problem. We can't always be | | | | your bid in the very last SECONDS of the auction. This |
| on hand each time a selected auction reaches its final | | | | means that anyone bidding against you just hasn't the |
| moments. It can mean having to log in many times | | | | time to place a counter bid. Auto snipers claim to be |
| each day or perhaps even in the middle of the night. | | | | around 95 - 99 per cent successful in enabling you to |
| Well, the answer could be to use special sniping | | | | win auctions this way. |
| software. | | | | There are various sniping programs and services |
| Okay, so what is sniping software and how does it | | | | available. Most will charge you a small free but will |
| work? | | | | allow you a free trial of their software first. I've used |
| Basically, it's a clever little programme which you can | | | | them and won some important auctions so my advice |
| set up in advance to place a last minute auction bid on | | | | is to have a free trial run. You've nothing to lose. |
| your behalf. | | | | |