key here is to not take it personally that you've lost. you just didn't bid enough. the whole ebay phenomenon is what's responsible for trend prices skyrocketing. I've watched many times, items go for substantially more than can be had new. It's not just the 'desire to own' driving the bids up. Competition, ego, excitement, ignorence and stupidity all factor in. Many bidders, myself included, bid on items they don't even really want, but would hapily own it for 2 dollars. The possibility of a great deal awaiting if no one else bids. Then re-sell it. This is evidenced by the first bidder bidding very early and only for a few dollars, and then not bidding anywhere near it's true value thereafter. I once got a $1200 (used value at least $150) body panel for my BMW K1200rs, for 99 cents. I stole it, but no one else bid. On many occasions, sellers do not know what they have. Ever notice a seller saying a vintage jacket looks "like new"? clueless to patina is what most are after. I've seen items mislabled, miscatagorized, bad photos, etc. I got a GREAT deal on a rare and valuable motorcycle, because it was poorly described and photographed, neglecting some key information, and everyone else just passed it over. I'm also in the unfortunate group of folks that have paid too much in the fury to own it. (tryin to cut down on that) Ebay is a nasty little game, imo, but I'm willing to play it. I'll be bidding early sometimes, and I'll be sniping. "Sometimes the windshield...sometimes the bug"
The nearest way to insure you win something you really, really, must have, is to bid ANYtime during the auction, and bid aLOT, and that's EXACTLY what the seller is hoping for. I agree that the days of Cheap cheap are gone... ebay is why.
