On Sun, 16 Sep 2012, Rob wrote:
  Oh I hate snipers...
 However, somebody is having a laugh with me ... over the last few months
 there's been a "Preview data systems" custom-branded Tandata TD1616 (a
 home viewdata terminal) appear three times now, and everytime I've been
 outbid.  At around ?6, ?12 and ?21.  The first two times are definitely
 the same item, the last one looks like it could be, cleaned up a little.
 I've not got one of these branded ones, so increased my max each time,
 and still keep getting sniped!
 Has there been a sudden re-resurgence of interest in all things
 viewdata?  Until recently, I'd win similar items unopposed at opening
 bid, even 99p..  Have I succeeded in getting people interested in this
 obsolete form of online system again?  (I guess that would be good if it
 were true..) 
Your bid strategy just isn't going to work for in-demand items.
Bid once, bid late, bid your max.