Re: Winning at a cyber auction

Paula wrote:
Darn it..I don't do auctions. I have never gotten the hang of them. I did try
the Hosta auction on the Library.. but would always lose..so I give up.
Thanks anyway,

Hi Paula,
There are some tricks to it.  Because the Hosta Library auction for FirstLook is actually a donation,
the idea is to give away as much of your money as possible which will make you feel good for
contributing to such a good cause.  However, many of us still want to keep the ultimate price closer
to reality.  One strategy that may or may not work is to be a lurker/sniper, just keeping an eye on the auctions that
you want to win until the very last minute.  Then like a crouching tiger, pounce on it with your maximum bid
during the last couple minutes.  And, if you're really gutsy, during the last couple of seconds.  Trouble is, however,
that during the last minute, there can be a LOT of increase in the bid in order to win because other lurkers/snipers are
planning to use the same strategy, just adding to the fun of it all.  You want to bid your MAXIMUM, if it is important
for you to win any particular auction.  It can be a little addictive so don't bid the family jewels unless you know this Hosta
will make everyone in the family happier than that old, dusty jewelry.  8<))

e.g.  Candle Glow (Minks) currently has a high bid of $150.00 with 6 bids submitted.  You can look at the bids
and see how many different bidders have stated (by their bid submission) that they either have a serious interest
in this plant, they have a serious interest in supporting the FirstLook convention, or possibly both.  This
plant may ultimately sell for $150.00, or it could get just one more bid for $5.00 more and go to another bidder (if
Bobaxe falls asleep at the wheel, which is not too likely if he REALLY wants the plant) or it could go to $200 or even more!   The fun part about the library auction is that there is no "bidding management software" written to automatically place your bids for you, so
everyone has an equal chance to win a few plants (unless they go crazy and say, "I want them all"--not likely but
you never know).

So, if you want any of these plants, this is a great way to get them and you might even get a bargain.  If not, then
just remember that the additional "investment" is going for a good cause.  Does anyone know if these "donations" are tax
deductible if they are for a PERSONAL purchase?

Happy bidding!

P.S.  One last thing to keep in mind.  This software is NOT like eBay in that the program WILL let you bid MORE than
the next bid increment.  With eBay, if you bid $50 higher, it will keep your bid on file and only use your bid to increment
the bid level to the NEXT higher level.  With the Hosta Library, when you submit your bid, it will accept ALL of the bid
right then.  You may want to keep this in mind if money is important to you.   If Hostas are more important to you, or
supporting this good cause, then BID AWAY!  8<))

Andrew Lietzow
 
 

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