1. Bid early
The earlier you bid, the more of an idea you will have of what is happening with the auction. Just a few strategically placed bids will let you see from your bidding table roughly where the lowest unique bid is at any time.
2. Keep checking
Just because you are currently winning an auction, don’t rest on your laurels! You could be outbid at any time so it’s down to you to keep checking back.
3. Don’t give up
Just because you don’t have the lowest unique bid, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find it! Bid strategically and you’ll soon work out where it is!
4. Don’t spend more than you can afford
It’s important to bid responsibly and set out with a figure in mind that you are willing to go up to in order to win the prize you are bidding on.
5. Make sure you get value for money
If you intend to bid numerous times in a particular auction, make sure you look for any special offers and free bids. In all such auctions, you will have to pay to bid because this is how the companies make their money.
6. Rope in your friends
If you are aiming to win a big prize such as a holiday that you will be sharing with others, don’t be afraid to ask them to chip in towards winning it, that way you won’t be taking such a big risk yourself.
7. Check other auctions
If the site you look at doesn’t have the prizes you want, then have a look around at some other websites. Don’t bid for something just to have a go at the game, wait until you find something that you would really like to win.
8. Don’t use your bids all at once
On most websites, your bids won’t expire, so don’t be afraid to leave a few in your account to use later on.
9. Do your research
Before you start to bid on anything or pay any money, make sure that you understand how it works. We see too many people bidding large amounts of money that will never win because they don’t understand the concept.
10. Don’t forget the last minute rush!
As with all auctions, if you have the lowest unique bid right at the end, everyone will be trying to outbid you! So make sure you are on the site, watching and waiting and ready to jump in to get the lowest unique bid back at the last minute!