quote:

Unfortunately, I've experienced the second bullet at live auctions during Ducks Unlimited fundraisers after a few beers.

I'm very rarely sad when I lose because it's stuff I want but don't need and my fair to me price was exceeded. There are times I've won and asked myself why I bought the item but it's never because I feel like I spent too much. I refuse bidding wars and try to snipe at the last second whenever possible.

I have won many an item I had to have and convinced myself it was the only one left in the world for sale. A few I bid on and later wish I had not, proceeded to get out bid and happy about it, then the lead bidder drops his bid, leaving me the item I already passed off and decided not really wanted (but it was at my low ball price.)

I've been selling and buying on eBay since 1997 and know exactly what the OP is taking about.

The solution is to use an automated bidding program. It automatically places your bid, and then increases your bid incrementally if needed, up to your set limit, during the last few seconds of the auction.

I have lost very few auction that way, and usually way below the limit price.

All bidding during the auction does is increase the price.

I use Auction Sniper.