Why do eBayers drive prices.

[MrBubbles]

Originally Posted by lhurgoyf

If you bid what you are willing to pay with 5s left on the auction it avoids the whole bidding war issue, and also ensures that you don't have second thoughts and bid more than you wanted to (out of gut reaction).

Sniping programs are another story. That is just cheating. I have and always will snipe an auction with < 3s left, in person. If you can't do it in person, you lack the determination and don't care enough about winning the item.

I disagree. Sometimes I'm looking for a specific item and if the seller comes from the US chances are big the auction will end in the middle of the night in Europe. I don't have the time to stay up all night, and if I want a item really bad I use a sniper. No cheating, it's just a service where you have to pay for.
Sometimes Ebay is running slow for some reason and you won't be able to snipe an auction yourself in time. I have missed out on some great items because of that reason.