expert search tip: Bid Shadowing
You can also save time searching, not by looking for items, but by looking for and tracking the behavior of other ebay users. Why? Other ebay users may be using more sophisticated search queries, or just may know more well developed and time tested keywords & phrases to find deals.
You may notice that some people seem to keep bidding on what you want, and even worse, they are bid sniping the items out from under you. Well, turnabout is fair play, and you can do the same thing.
Here's how it works: When you find an item you like that has ended, or if you get outbid at the last second by a "pro" you can copy and paste the winning bidder's user ID into the ebay search box, and perform a search "by bidder". This way, when you find a user who seems to know where all the good stuff is, you can track what they are bidding on. In effect, you are putting that other ebay user's detective abilities to work for you. This process is known as Bid Shadowing.
Although frowned on by some auction users, bid shadowing can be a legitimate way to research and find high demand auction items while saving time. Just do not overuse this tactic or do it to spite other ebay users. This would not be considered good auction etiquette and could lead to some feedback problems.
Another thing to think about with this search method, is that when someone consistently outbids you or is buying up everything in sight for that item type, chances are very good that this other ebay user is a dealer. Thus, they may carry many similar items for sale on ebay. You can then perform a search "By Seller" with their user ID to see if they stock the same type of things you want to buy.
How do you prevent Bid Shadowing? The best way to do so is to not tip your hand- Bid at the last minute, or use a Bid Sniper. This way, no one knows what you are going to bid on except you!
Read more about:
Auction Bidder Tips • Bid Sniping
