If you have been around eBay for even a little while, you have probably felt the exaltation of the win and the agony of defeat.  In fact, you may have experienced the agony far more often than the ecstasy (annoying isn’t it??)!

We can all empathize; you fall hopelessly in love with an item you found on eBay (and perhaps have coveted but could not previously afford).  You checked out what these items have sold for in the past, and then you made a sure bet bid on the item.  You log on expecting to see your win only to find it was taken away in the last three seconds of the auction for a mere 50 cents over your top bid!

Perhaps you are in New York and the auction was listed in California.  So, the auction closing time is 3 a.m. Easter Standard Time on a work night!  Auction or sleep?  It is a no-brainer, sleep wins out because in the priorities of the working man or woman living indoors and eating regularly certainly takes precedence.  The frustration prompts you to search your mind for what to do next.  Doesn’t eBay have some auction tools that will automatically bid for you FREE?

Yes, there are several available from eBay and others that are eBay approved third party software (some with associated fees).  Each tool informs you of auction status and will bid for you up to an established maximum limit that you set.  Here is a “print and keep” reference to the most popular FREE tools you can use for those awkward auctions when you just cannot be available to bid.  I think you will find them so successful, they will soon become a regular part of your shopping process!

eBay Toolbar:  This is a free and “must have” accessory.  In addition to notifying you about things you are watching, and your bidding status on auctions, this tool bar also helps to keep you safe from known spoof and phishing sites by warning you if you are about to click on one.  The free eBay toolbar also provides 1-click access to your favorite eBay areas like “My eBay.”

eBay Bid Assistant:  This is EBay’s own proxy bidding tool.  You would use a proxy bidding tool when you just cannot be available to bid yourself.  It allows you to set the maximum amount you are willing to pay for an auction.  Then EBay will bid for you, as necessary, up to your established maximum bid.  Using this tool does not mean you pay the maximum amount you have entered.  When another bidder bids on the product you have chosen, eBay will automatically compare the new bid with your maximum.  If the new bid is less than your maximum, eBay will place the next incremental bid for you.  That bid will be only the sum of competitor bid plus the minimum increase required in the auction. This process will continue only until your pre-set maximum has been reached or you win.  If the bidding competitor is a novice with no understanding of proxy bidding, he or she is likely to be stunned with the speed your counter bids and hopefully it scares them off leaving you with a win at a great price!  The "Bid with Bid Assistant" Button is located on the "My Ebay"  "Item's I'm Watching Page." It appears on the bar next to: Compare, Email a Friend, Add a Note & Delete Buttons.

Auction Sniper:  In spite of the web tools out there, most auctions are won or lost in the final second of the auction.  Auction Sniper automatically places your bid in the closing seconds of an auction.  There are no downloads and you can be in dreamland while auction sniper bids for you.  In this case, the computer is there bidding while you are wherever else you need to be at the time!  In many cases, that last bid entry gives you the best chance to get what you want, at a price you want to pay.  Are there several auctions up for the same item from different sellers?  Create a “bid-group,” which allows you to bid for the same items from different sellers until you win one at your set price. Similar tools include Power Snipe and Auction Stealer.

Favorite Searches: is an eBay search engine that you program to periodically search eBay for items that you have an interest in.  It updates you via email about new listings that meet your search criteria giving you an opportunity to bid or watch all items you are looking to buy.  You need only to choose which bargains to bid on to get the best price.  Favorite searches also lets you know of any changes to items you are currently watching, including price and reserve price reductions and relisting activity.

Buy it Now.  Perhaps you love to shop on eBay but don’t have the time or patience for the “bidding and waiting” game.  The Buy it Now feature is for you!!  Buy it Now options appear in many auction listings, many eBay store listings and of course, always in eBay Express.  To find only those items with a Buy it Now option, perform an advanced search keying in the item of interest.  Then select the check box to see only those items with the “Buy it Now” option.  Here’s a real bonus -- if you find “Buy it Now” items with a “Best Offer” option also, YOU can name a price you are willing to pay and let the seller decide if they will accept your offer.  For more information on Best Offers, please see my Guide on the subject.  Market Bazaar right there on your computer anyone?

eBay Express is a service that offers products for a fixed price.  It makes use of the “shopping cart” process in which you can do all your shopping and the computer will keep track, allowing you to process a single payment at the end.  This is very like Amazon.com and most other e-commerce websites operating today. 

Yes, there are those pureists who will claim that the auction tools steal some (or all) of the auction excitement and experience…to them I say – not when you win!!!  Then I would offer some advice -- if you don't win most of what you want --you should know what we know…Do visit the Blogs and Guides more regularly  ;  )  HAPPY BIDDING!

Please drop by my store “The Write Stuff Ladies Clothing” where YOU name the price you pay everyday!  Please visit my auctions (Pepper120851) for the best customer care on the web and your quality item is always a delightful bonus!!

Happy eBaying!

Pepper