is there still any point in using a sniper?

[loopsngeorge]

Hi, sorry if this is a silly question but I am new to ebay! As you can set your maximum bid through ebay is there still any point to using a sniper? Do they do something that setting an automatic bid through ebay doesn't do? Thanks!

Yes! They put in your maximum bid a few seconds before the end of the auction so you are less likely to be outbid.

Wanders into thread, Mmm, thought we were shooting non payers, looses interest, wanders off again.

I don't like snipers personally. I prefer to actually bid live in the last few seconds. It's so much more exciting

Absolutely.

Think of it as declaring your intentions. If you say too early what you are prepared to pay for the item, others can outbid you. If you wait until the last five seconds, you can outbid everybody and nobody has time to outbid you.

Snipers are very useful for auctions that finish at inconvenient times. I still like to watch the finish of an auction if I can, though!

Thanks everyone, it's all become clear.
violetwellies!