Ebay IDs. Should we know who is who? Your opinion?

[rictified]

I was watching an antique radio yesterday, I had no intention of bidding, just if I see something with about 10 minutes left, I'll park there and watch the auction. Sure enough with 15 seconds to go someone sniped it and stole it, that really pisses me off. That should be illegal, it takes all the fun out of ebay. Esnipe is a terrible idea that should be banned, it is not fair. Or there should be a professional and an amateur section of ebay which will never happen. It's going to end up all professional sellers if they are not careful.

[oreca]

I'm trying to score some Strat pickups for dirt cheap, I have a feeling it will get sniped in the end...

[revolver323]

I've won and lost auctions at the last minute -- most memorably when I beat out a bidder for a Gibson Ripper by only 39 cents! To me, last minute bidding is a part of the game. However, I'm much better off if I put in my absolute highest bid right awya and ignore the auction. That way I'm not tempted to spend money I don't have. I'm not sure if I like ESnipe or not. If you're interested enough to bid, I think you should do it in person, even if the auction ends at 3 a.m. What galls me more than sniping is uninformed, stupid or just plain wealthy bidders who drive up the prices on intruments that aren't "worth it." I know, I know .. worth is what someone is willing to pay. But I've seen people pay more than retail for brand new instruments. Does that make sense? I can see paying extra for vintage or discontinued instruments, but these are out of hand as well. As for handles and knowing who sellers are, Ebay offer the sellers a place to put up a profile. I've been stiffed only once, and that for only $6.