Why do people bid on things AGES before they end?

[Legacy]

OK, so I'm not complaining... I listed a big bundle of kids clothes, and there's still 6+ days to go, but I've been surprised that about 3 bidders have got into a bidding war already and bid it up to £35 .

But surely they realise that they're just raising the final price by showing how much they're willing to pay this early?

They may just be putting their max. bid and and see if they get it in the end.

Or they may be like my mother, watching the screen like a hawk, finger poised, screeching 'No other buggers getting my bundle of kids clothes!!'

I will set myself a limit (usually a bit unrealistic) and bid early. If I win, I have a bargain, if I don't, I walk away.

Some people don't have constant internet access to do so later on. I generally bid in the last minute but if something I like ends when I know I'm not going to have access, I put in a maximum and hope for the best.