If you are new to eBay and lost an auction in the last 5 seconds, you were probably less than trilled.  But there is a method to the madness...really.  My friends and I who buy and sell on ebay call it "swiping".  Here's how....

First....and VERY Important:  You need a respectable internet connection...you folks on dial up probably can't pull off a 'swipe' very easily.  DSL or better seems to work.

If you are interested in an item, first determine how many are available and what they've sold for in the past.  Yes - use the advanced search button and tell it to pull all the COMPLETED listings for the item you want.  Okay...now you have an approximate of what they should sell for.  (I look to the high end...unless it's only one ebay'r who spent a boat load just because they wanted it)

Next - add the item to your watch list if there is any amount of time left.  I do this just so I can find it again easily. 

About 3 minutes before the auction ends, open up the listing.  Be prepared...this is where it gets fun...

I keep a watch with a second hand on my desk.  I will refresh the listing until it's down to the last 60 seconds.  I mark that time with the second hand on my watch.  I then click the Bid button...and put in the amount.   Important part is to BID the max you want to pay...you probably won't have time to bid again.  I wait to "confirm bid" until there are only about 10-15 seconds left.  Click confirm bid and the ebay system does its thing.  Generally the bid is processed in about 3-4 seconds...leaving anyone bidding against me only seconds to spare.  Keep clicking refresh...just to see if anyone else is doing the same thing you are!

Does it work?  Most of the time - ESPECIALLY if your are REALISTIC in the maximum amount you want to spend.  If you get the item great!  If you are outbid - well, it was more than you wanted to spend anyway...right? 

When do I swipe? Generally only on items where there are multiples out on ebay.  If it's a one of a kind and I have no reference point of what was paid in the past then I may or may not play this game. 

If you try this - have fun!  It takes the thrill of the auction to a different level because you aren't just putting out a bid and walking away...you are watching it...and seeing immediate results. 

Hey, what can I say...all the fun of Vegas without leaving home!  Hmmmm....wonder if this is why all those Elmo TMX auctions go up some $10-15 in the last few seconds! 

Happy Swiping to you!  If we meet in an auction you'll have to let me know!  If you beat me using this technique then you'll really have to let me know!   (I'll wonder why I felt the urge to write this!)

Gotta love ebay!!!