Originally Posted by
noglider
Sometimes I bid early because I won't be around to bid at the end. I do this on items I don't care much about. I low-ball these bids, so if I win, I'm getting a really good deal. I once won a nice Zebrakenko for $25. When I got the email telling me I had won, I didn't even remember placing the bid. It was a really good deal that way.
Well, there's your answer. "Common sense" is an oxymoron. There is no such thing as a sense that we all have in common. That's why so many people don't have it.
The way people use the term, I take it to mean "just think exactly as I do." Sure, I'll get right on that.
I completely disagree based on my experience with eBay. Some people have decided that bidding late is the only approach. It isn't, and I remain unconvinced it's the best approach in all cases. When I see evidence conclusively proving one way is superior, I'll listen. Until then I'll tailor my approach to the auction and my needs. If I REALLY want something, and it's an uncommon item, I like to shake the riff raff away early, before they're invested.