On Wed, 2 Dec 1998, Dan Medley wrote:
> I love this topic :) To me it is so simple! If you see an item on e-bay,
> and you want it, then you bid an amount that you are willing to pay. The
> system will hold your high bid, and increment it automatically no matter
> WHEN the other guy bids. If someone comes in at the last moment and bids
> some ridiculous amount, or even outbids you by a few dollars, then OH WELL!
> That's MORE than what you wanted to pay anyway!
I have been reading this Ebay thread with some interest. I see nothing
wrong with the way this works. It's normal bidding, and there's (as many
have pointed out) strategy to it. But, as with any deal, remember: If it
is not a unique item, another one like it will appear sooner or later. Do
not get too fixated on the objects for sale, and always be prepared to
walk away, or cheerfully part with the bucks without looking back in
either case.
> I think that the people complaining about the last-minute bidders on e-bay,
> seems more a reflection of their frustration at not getting and item for
> cheap or at a bargain than anything else.
That fixation/expectation can obviously lead to serious disappointment,
anger, etc. Not worth it. Those seeking real bargains would do much better
by doing more than pointing 'n clicking. Specially at EBay. Is there a
university near you ? Does it have a "for sale" (real life) bulletin board
? Place a little ad there: Will buy Cameras. Same with the
dorms/laundromats. Is there a little neighborhood "Flyer" type thing that
comes to your mailbox free? Read it. Go to estate sales. Garage sales.
Prowl the Pawns. Check the classifieds. Yeah, means leaving the house, the
computer, lots of driving, talking to strangers, hondeling, etc. Learn
about used equipment. The best bargains rarely have guarantees, and you
must rely on your wits before putting down the money.
*= Doris Fang =*
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