I consider it a form of proper etiquette if I see a friend bidding on an
object on E-Bay that I really covet to communicate with the person. I'll
ask "Are you really serious about this? Often the answer is that the person
was just putting in a bid to see what happens. I'll even ask "How much are
you willing to bid on it?" Never once have I had a friend reply that it is
a rude question...those who know me know that this means that I wish to wait
to see if the bidding goes over that amount before I'll come in on it...if
not, I'll tell them. Sometimes if I cool toward the item I'll tell someone
I know who covets the item and then they'll come in. If no one I know is
after the item, then it is all business and if I can get the item, I'll do
it...even to the extent of feeling out the seller about ending the auction
early. It is all business at this point as far as I am concerned.
I am not normally an advocate of situational ethics, but in the absence of
friends bidding, it is really a different ball game...I am up against folks
I don't know who would deprive me of the item, given a chance. I think
often a very late bid is the only intelligent thing to do, but sometimes I
do put in a very early bid just to "Mark my territory" and let others know I
am after the item.
Sniping is not immoral, cowardly or subject to any other judgment of the
buyer's character and I never whine about snipers, although I have had them
cost me more than $1000 in 10 seconds...they have the same right I do to
compete for an item.
Folks who whine about the way others bid need to re-think whether an auction
is the proper venue for them to compete...there are an awful lot of bike
lists, shops and other places where goods are offered in a less competitive
and pressure packed atmosphere.
I am boarding up the windows and fortifying the house already, anticipating
some folks who will take the opportunity to point out their superior ethics
in auctions and perhaps in life in general. It certainly is your right...I
realize this a bit provocative, but a little honesty and fresh air on the
subject might be welcome.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi