Bidding for a bargain is all part of the exciting eBay experience. But what can really disappoint is when you’re all set to win that fantastic, gold plated gizmo and someone else just beats your bid in the final seconds.

This trixy technique is called ‘sniping’ and is perfectly legal. It’s very annoying when someone does it to you but it can be a most effective way to win auctions…but only if you’re able to keep a constant eye on the auction and have a computer fired up and ready to go.

But, we’re faced with a problem. We can’t always be on hand each time a selected auction reaches its final moments. It can mean having to log in many times each day or perhaps even in the middle of the night. Well, the answer could be to use special sniping software.

Okay, so what is sniping software and how does it work?

Basically, it’s a clever little programme which you can set up in advance to place a last minute auction bid on your behalf. Some sniping programs can be downloaded. With others, you place your bid through a special sniping website. You can then wander off, play golf or whatever, knowing that your bid will be made - in the dying moments - for that ’must have’ special item.

And it’s all very simple to activate.

You just enter the details of each auction you’re interested in (i.e. the auction number) and the maximum amount you’re prepared to pay for the item. And here’s the really sneaky part! The program then lodges your bid in the very last SECONDS of the auction. This means that anyone bidding against you just hasn’t the time to place a counter bid. Auto snipers claim to be around 95 – 99 per cent successful in enabling you to win auctions this way.

There are various sniping programs and services available. Most will charge you a small free but will allow you a free trial of their software first. I’ve used them and won some important auctions. So my advice is to have a free trial run. You’ve nothing too lose.

The majority of sniping programs are based in the US and they charge in dollars. But they still work no matter which country you operate from. That’s because they automatically convert amounts into the currency you’re bidding in. And, most importantly, there is no charge if you fail to win an auction.

To get you started, here is a list of some sniping programs. Please visit the sites for full details of current charges.

www.auctionsniper.com I’ve used this service and have found it to be very reliable. Your first three snipes are free. After that, there is a small charge. This is one of the most popular web-based snipers.

www.auctionstealer.co.uk This is a free web-based service. But if you want to spend some money then enhanced, paid subscriptions are also available.

www.bidnapper.com You can try this out for free for the first 10 days. Then you have the choice of various paid subscription offers.

www.bidslammer.com This is another web- based service but with a difference. You get your first three snipes free. Then you need to add funds to your account using PayPal or credit card. This then enables you to snipe on a pay-per-use basis.

www.ezsniper.com Your first three snipes are free and then there is a small charge for each winning bid. There is a charge for opening an account.

www.powersnipe.com This program can be downloaded on a free trial basis. If you like it, you can buy it.

www.snipe.pl/en This is also web-based. Your first five snipes are free but then there is a small charge per snipe.

Find the program that best suits your activity level and then snipe away!

Wishing you every success.

About the author: After 30 years in business, online auctions and information marketing have now become my passion.

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