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Sunday, February 20, 2011

How To Use Proxy Bidding on eBay

Here’s the skinny on using proxy bidding on eBay: it’s actually an automated system that bids for you and keeps within the minimum-to-maximum amount that you have entered until you win what you’re actually bidding for. Because the system is automated, you can simply enter your bid without obsessively checking and entering another bid every time your bid is topped by another bidder. The only time you need to act on a bid is when the proxy system alerts you that you had been outbid by another bidder. For more information about making the most of proxy bidding on eBay, check out the details below.

* Connect to the Internet and get on the eBay website. Use your username and password to get in. Of course, you need to be a member or at least an occasional buyer on eBay to qualify for this system.
* Register if you’re still not a member. The registration steps are so easy to follow. You’ll be in and out quicker than you think. You won’t be able to proceed if you don’t sign up and register.
* Find what you’re looking for. You can do this by scouring the main website for the categories and then clicking on the category that fits what you wish to place a bid on. Failing that, you can type the item that you’re looking for in the search box of the eBay main page.
* Read the details pertinent to the item you want to bid on. Pay attention to the description of the item, the number of bidders, the absence of bidders (which will make you the first bidder, yeah!), where it’s from, and how much it’s selling for. Another very important aspect to keep an eagle eye on is the reputation of the seller. You can check this out through the rating given by those who have bought from the seller as well the selling history of the seller/merchant on eBay. Make sure you are completely comfortable with these specifics before pushing through with your bid.

* Place your bid. You don’t actually have to place a bid based on the asking price of the seller. The beauty of eBay’s proxy system is that you are given the opportunity to bid what you can afford while the system manages the bid on your behalf. Ready to place your bid? Look for the icon that reads “Place Bid” and then after clicking on that, type in or enter your maximum bid on the box provided. Usually, the box is on the bottom of the page. Click on the “Enter” key and allow the system to bid the amount that you placed against the other bidders on the item.
* Occasionally check in to see how you’re doing. Alerts are placed as soon as you are out of the bidding game so make sure you check in twice in an hour just to see what’s happening on the boards.


Hopefully, your bid isn’t bested or topped by another and you end up taking home the item that you want without spending much more than what you can realistically afford. Speaking of realism, you need to face the fact that others will bid higher than you especially when you’re after a hot item. Take this advice: resist the urge to go for broke. There’s always a next time and you will always have that golden opportunity to win on any given bidding day. Bide your time and strike when you know it’s for the win!

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