Does bidding early or bidding late on online auctions help win it cheaper?

[dig]

What do you guys think?

If I bid an item up early during pre-bid, then it disqualifies more people because they know it's not a deal. But sometimes that just inflates the price.

But if I bid late then I sometimes can snipe it but more people might be paying attention to the item because it's a deal.

 

[Daylan Goughman]

It's a bit of a game, honestly. . . early bidding can scare off casual buyers, but it also signals interest and can drive the price up fast. Statistically, most winning bids on equipment auctions happen in the last few minutes, since bidders wait to see real competition. If you're using platforms like Ritchie Bros. or IronPlanet, timing your bid close to closing (without going over your limit) usually gives you the best shot at a cheaper win.

 

[Mr.LiftOperator]

What do you guys think?

If I bid an item up early during pre-bid, then it disqualifies more people because they know it's not a deal. But sometimes that just inflates the price.

But if I bid late then I sometimes can snipe it but more people might be paying attention to the item because it's a deal.

Honestly, I've had better luck jumping in late.. .feels like the fewer eyes on it, the better the chance the price stays sane.