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Lost an item because eBay moved the bid
I lost an item that I have been searching for for years because eBay moved the bed button. I got myself ready. I have been watching that auction for weeks. I was ready to hit that button as soon as it was down to about 60 seconds like I normally do then I was ready to increase my bid if I had to. I was the highest bidder until there were seconds left then I became out bid. I went to hit the same button to increase my bid and it was gone. I became desperate and frantic the only option available to me was a Buy It Now. I was confused and had no idea what was going on. Finally I scroll up and I see a message stating that I was out Bid And what I like to increase my bed. Of course I wanted to increase my bed! I wanted this item more than anything. Literally how dare eBay move the button and make me lose the auction. They should let you know ahead of time that the button will be moved so you can look for it.
eburtonlab
Mentor3 years agoThere is never a guarantee that any user will be able to place a second bid, particularly when the user is waiting until the end of the auction. Many, many things can prevent a second bid, including network issues, power outages, other bids, distractions, interruptions, last moment pop-up error messages, verification requirements or changes in where buttons are located.
Last minute bids can be received by eBay without enough time for the information to be spread around the world for other bidders to see and react to. No one is guaranteed to be able to have the last bid. Trying to react to others' bids is a poor strategy for this reason.
Because of this, many veteran bidders suggest deciding exactly how much the item is worth to you, and figuring out the maximum amount you are willing to spend -- taking into consideration any shipping or taxes -- and bidding the appropriate amount once, as late in the auction as you can comfortably get away with while being sure that eBay will receive your bid before the auction ends. If the amount is a round number, you may want to add a few cents to avoid a possible tie that would go to the earlier bidder.
If you are able to successfully submit your maximum bid, the only way you can lose is if someone else is willing to bid higher than you are and actually does so, or if an earlier bid for the same amount has already been placed.