ebay purchase question

[jackknifeh]

I was bidding on an item on ebay about a month ago. I had to raise my bid a couple of times to retain high bid. When the sale was over I won but only paid $16.50 for an item I had to bid over $25.00 for. This was my first ebay purchase. Is this normal? The minimum bid to start with was $0.99.

The item was a Brett Favre jersey that I believe could have sold for a lot more in most stores. I don't think it's one he actually wore. What do you think? It is a Christmas gift for a friend. Do you think a jersey with Brett Favre perspiration would be worth more? Especially that he is retiring (again).

Jack

[ChrisR]

When you bid you give them your highest bid ... the system will automatically bid just enough of your money (depending on the current increments) to beat the other people. Check out 'auto bidding' on the eBay help pages

[jackknifeh]

Thanks Chris,
I was very suprised to get the jersey at such a low price. Of course now I'm wondering if that will happen to other types of items. Obviously I'm not thinking of knives.

Jack

[ChrisR]

No problem - it's like if you put in a Commission bid at a real auction - the auctioneer will take it as your highest bid but will bid up to the point that just beats the next bidder

[The Deacon]

Agree with Chris. Assuming you have the high bid, and that it's a regular auction, the amount you pay will be one "increment" more than the next highest bidder's maximum bid. The more expensive the item, the higher those increments are, but the only time you'd pay your reserve (maximum) bid is if the next highest bidder bid within an increment of your bid.