Lead Time is the time difference (in seconds) between the submission of your bid and the end of the auction. For example, if an auction ends at 08:15:30, and you choose a lead time of 5 seconds, then we will place the snipe at 08:15:25 (from three locations).
When you choose your lead time, remember that the high snipe always wins, as long as you meet the minimum bid increment. This means that there can be a tie situation. And in tie situations, you want your bid to come in first.
NOTE: Lower lead times are not always best! Read the situations below carefully.
If an item is over 1,000 (in any currency), and there are a lot of bidders, use a longer snipe time of at least 5 seconds. That is because you want your bid to come in earlier, but still avoid emotional escalation from other bidders.
The more bidders, the more lead time. When there are many competing bidders, a later snipe gives them less time to react. Use longer lead times to stay under the radar.
eBay prime time. Sunday at 6-7pm PST (eBay time) is when eBay experiences the most traffic and lag. We suggest using a lead time of 7 seconds during this window. This is still enough time to prevent someone from reacting, and getting your bid in earlier will break a tie in your favor.
We were the first snipe service to offer low lead times, but the truth is that there is little to no benefit in going below 5, which is what I use. :) But we leave the option in, since people want to see it.
There is a good example of tie situations posted on our minimum bid increment help page.
Join Now for Free! Start winning items today.
