What Is Sniping at an Auction and Why It Doesn’t Work at Live Auctions
If you’ve spent any time around online marketplaces or auctions, you’ve probably heard the term “sniping.” Sniping generally means waiting until the very last possible moment to place a bid, with the goal of winning the item before anyone else has time to respond. While this strategy might sometimes work on fixed-end, static online auctions, it’s important to understand that sniping simply does not work at real, live auctions, whether you’re bidding in person or online in real time.
Let’s break down why.
Live Auctions Use Dynamic (Extended) Bidding
At a true live auction, bidding is dynamic, often called extended bidding. The auction does not end at a preset time. Instead, the auctioneer controls when an item closes, based on active bidding. Each time a new bid is placed, the auction continues.
Because of this, there is no “last second” to aim for. If you bid, the auction stays open. That’s why sniping doesn’t exist in live auctions—there’s nothing to snipe.
Waiting Too Long Can Cost You the Item
Trying to sneak in a bid just as the auctioneer is about to say “sold” can actually hurt you. Auctioneers move quickly, and if they don’t see or hear your bid in time, the item may already be closed.
In a live environment, the safest and smartest approach is to bid early and clearly. Let the auctioneer know you’re interested. Waiting until the final moment increases the risk that your bid simply won’t count.
Crowd Frustration Is Real—and So Is Spite Bidding
Repeatedly slowing down the auction by waiting until the very last second can frustrate both the auctioneer and the crowd. That frustration can have consequences.
This leads us to something many bidders don’t like to talk about: spite bidding.
What is spite bidding?
Spite bidding is when someone bids not because they want the item, but because they don’t want you to get it. This happens more often than people realize, especially when a bidder annoys the room.
If the person bidding against you is a reseller, they may not care if they win something they didn’t originally plan to buy. They can simply resell it later. The result? Your attempt to snipe or stall may cost you the item entirely—or drive the price higher than it ever needed to go.
Online Live Auctions Have Another Risk: Internet Lag
Many live auctions now offer online bidding, which is incredibly convenient. However, some bidders mistakenly believe that the “last chance” or “going once” moments are automated.
They’re not.
In most cases, the auctioneer is physically pressing those buttons in real time. If you’re constantly waiting for that moment to place your bid, eventually internet lag will catch up with you. Your bid may not reach the auctioneer before the item is declared “sold,” and at that point, it’s too late. An unreceived bid is not a valid bid.
The Best Strategy: Bid Honestly and Bid Clearly
At live auctions, the best strategy is simple:
Bid when you’re interested
Bid clearly and confidently
Let the auctioneer know you’re in
You’ll avoid missed opportunities, keep goodwill with the crowd, and give yourself the best possible chance to win the items you want.
If you have questions about how live auctions work or want to learn more about bidding strategies, the team at Denotter Auctions is always happy to help.
Denotter Auctions
🌐 Website: https://www.denotterauctions.com/
📞 Phone: 224-392-3101
📧 Email: mdenotter@denotterauctions.com
We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming auction—and we’re always glad to help make your auction experience a successful and enjoyable one!