To think some people are idiots when it comes to Ebay

[lecce]

and push prices up by getting involved in ridiculous bidding wars?

I have been watching an item all day. Throughout the afternoon there were several bids and it has just ended amidst a flurry of bids. When you add p&p, someone is actually paying more than the cost of a new one.

I'm not talking about rare, collectable items but stuff like clothing and certain toys.

No such thing as a bargin, it seems...

Yes, it drives me insane.

I think eBaying should be like poker- don't declare your hand too early.

i rarely buy on ebay anymore nor do i sell,with likes of amazon etc ebay isnt cheap anymore.

It's the thrill of the chase for a lot of people and they feel the need to 'win'.

The ones that didn't win will probably overspend on something else instead.

I reckon it has little to do with wanting the item.

Sometimes it's worth it to just get what you want, delivered to your door, without having to go out and kill yourself in the shops!

I have another tactic. I select item. Decide on my bid. Put it in as early as I can, then I ignore it. If I win, I win but if I don't I don't mind iyswim! I NEVER increase my bid.

I sold something this weekend that new would cost £20 with free postage. I sold it for £17 plus £3 postage.
I'm very pleased (and surprised), but it's madness!

You're obviously not the seller, OP.

Put in a proxy bid at your maximum and that will stay dormant until just before the end. Bidding at the beginning can trigger a war or it can stake your claim... method in both.

YANBU it drives me mad too! I always wait til the last minute myself. If it's too high for my liking I wont bid. I do like cece's tactic but see that backfiring for me and forgetting all about it and therefore forgetting to pay should I win.

Some people dont have the transport or access to the shops though to buy these things new. But I agree, some people do just seem to be more bothered about winning an auction regardless of the cost.

I listed something a couple of weeks ago, for 99p, relisted twice since. as it didnt sell, . and for some strange reason it is now upto £30 with a day to go.. I am happy, but I do find it amusing.

I agree OP, I think sometimes the winning is more important than anything else.

I've watched a Facebook auction today for sock monkeys. Now they are quite cleverly done and obviously the person who made them has taken time over them but seriously, £30+ for a thing made from Poundland socks?

I sold a hypnobirthing book on ebay after my dd was born - it went for significantly more than the new price on amazon despite me making it clear it was used. Madness, but I wasn't complaining!

I must admit I don't win a high percentage of auctions but I do get the occasional bargain!

A top of the range leather sofa for £26 anyone? Or a posh buggy with any accessory you can think of for £21 this week.

Years ago now, I was selling some videos on eBay, in the description I included what they would cost new on Amazon (to point out what a bargain buying mine would be). They sold for £2 more.

i often watch then place a bid on the last moments have got some great bargains and some crap buys that go in my sell on ebay bag (that just gets bigger)

i like ebay have just received a pair of lovely leather boots for £20 only been worn once