One of the most annoying (but regular) incidents on eBay is that someone outbids you in the last few seconds. This is called sniping the auction and is how most regulars win auctions. In fact, there are even online tools (like bidnapper) that help you place bids in the last few seconds.

There is no way to avoid getting sniped on eBay – it will happen (in my experience 98% of the time). So instead of outwitting snipers, you can ‘join them’, and start sniping for items you really want.

The sniping process is simple:

1. Of course, you need to be online during the auction ending
2. Towards the last few minutes, open two browser windows with the same item.
3. Decide the absolute maximum price you are willing to pay for the auction and enter it in one window.
4. Click on “Place Bid”, move to the ‘Review and Confirm’ page, and wait (don't confirm your bid at this time).
5. Keep refreshing the second window and watch the count-down.
6. In the last few seconds, place your bid in the first window.

With a bit of practice, you can beat most people and even automated systems using this method for sniping.

Additional things to keep in mind:

1. Once you have reached the final 20 seconds or so of the auction, getting the last bid in is less important than getting the highest bid in. At this point, it is unlikely that any of the other bidders are able to bid twice. Hence use the highest figure that you are ok paying for the item even if it is quite higher than the current price (you won’t get a second chance either).
2. If you place your bid earlier (than T - 20 seconds), you will give time for someone else to revise their bids and outbid you.