Online auctions. I know its been asked before...

[Father Ted]

Why do people bid up items days before its over?! This happens all the time when I'm interested in buying something off GB. Why can't people just set a reminder on their imperial probe droid (smart phone) and bid at the end like a normal human being instead of trying to take possession of something like an entitled ego maniac getting involved in a peeing match with like minded nincompoops! Then, to bother it all, more than half the time the winner is someone like me who waited for final fifteen minutes. (The interminable fifteen minute rule)

[Grendl]

Self control. They bid the maximum they're willing to pay. Sometimes they win. They never get caught up in the frenzy and overbid... like I have :-(

[Armistice]

I hate it too, driving the price up like an idiot

I go on 5mins before and go from there. Only went $10 over my max on one. Not bad

[Emdawg]

Ha!

I only have 3 ratings on my gunbroker account, but I have at least bid for over 100 items... and lost.

[OldShooter32]

This is why auctions were invented.

[Flyin Brian]

I've heard a lot of people whine about auctions but this is the first time I've heard it directed toward the people who bid too early. Interesting.

[Eljay]

As somebody who sells I just want to say I really appreciate those guys.

[Father Ted]

Ha!

I only have 3 ratings on my gunbroker account, but I have at least bid for over 100 items... and lost.

I think I have 5 and I've bid on well over 200! It makes no sense because they have that rediculous 15 min rule. On eBay I have it timed on my phone, I can snipe right at 3seconds. I think people feel entitled and try to take possession prematurely bo matter what the cost. Sorry for the rant.
Cheers

[Agustav]

I bid early becasue I don't always have the time or access to computer/phone when the auction ends. So, I bid early and the max I am willing to pay. Sometimes I get lucky and snatched a good deal, most time I don't.

My thinking is that there is always more rifle out there. If I don't win, no biggie! Worst thing you can do in a auction is getting in a bidding match with someone. If they bid early and way higher than what you are willing to spend, it doesn't matter when they bid. You are not getting the it anyways...

[cheapblaster]

Stop using the mindset "won" or "lost" an auction. Don't make it a competition.Bid what it is worth to you. You kind of have to wait towards the end to see where the bidding is going.

OP, you are waiting 'till the last 15 minutes, if I'm reading you right. What's your beef?
That somebody bid earlier than you? Yeah, they should have stayed out of it until you made your bid. And then not put in their bid. Want some cheese with that whine?

[eighteenninetytwo]

Pretty hilarious that someone is botching because they can't snipe at the la at 3 seconds. That is exactly why the 15 mins rule is there. So the person willing to pay the most gets it not the guys with the best Internet connection.

[Exile Machine]

As somebody who sells I just want to say I really appreciate those guys.

+1. Don't forget if the item has no bids we sellers can still increase the initial bid, or change the auction terms, or even pull the auction entirely. Someone placing an early bid may be locking it in so we can't do those things.

-Mark

[I Swan]

I love the 15 min rule. Makes it just like a live auction. When I sell online I have anti snipe protection. I start auctions at least I would feel comfortable taking. If I get sniped so be it. But most of the time the "entitled" early bidders keep the snipers away.

[Dan_Eastvale]

I like the buy it now optioned ones..

[elSquid]

I bid the max that I'm willing to pay upfront and then I get on with my life. I'm not interested in tracking the end of auctions, playing bidding games, etc. Other people may find that enjoyable, but I'd rather be doing something else with my time.

<shrug>

-- Michael