I have a thought I'd like to share in response to a previous message from another eBayer regarding the overuse of the Buy It Now option.

I think that sellers usually try to avoid having a BIN option because there is a chance that the bidding could skyrocket if it's a current, hot or popular item. If the item is new and has just been listed on eBay, people will jump all over it, and something that is really worth only $10.00 could end up at $30.00 or $40.00 at the end of the auction. If there are two or more people who really want the item, this is what happens.

I think that finding a BIN feature is great because there are no hassles such as having no computer access at the end of the bidding...if you're at work for example, and not being able to re-bid if needed. Not feeling the pressure to re-bid on the item when the price has already been raised to a ridiculous amount, and you'll probably find the same item again later at half the price. Or losing the item by a snipe bidder.

I agree that bidding can be fun, challenging, and you can learn from it, but I also like finding BIN auctions. This reminds me of certain times when I need to go to the store and get something. I don't want to drive around the block 5 times and then go, I just want to go straight to the store and get it.

I think sellers that have a BIN option in their auctions are taking a slight loss because the item might have sold for a lot more during a bidding process. I think the seller being referred to here placed a slightly high price for the BIN feature to make up for a possible loss in profit by not having an auction where a bidding war might ensue.