Tips on using Cigarbid (or how to win auctions on C-bid without losing your shirt)

[Hot Stuff x]

I've just started using cigarbid (or "the devil site" as I have come to know it here on Cigar Live) within the last few weeks, and was hoping some of you Brothers (and Sisters!) can give up some tips on using the site.

There was some helpful advice here http://www.cigarlive.com/forum/showt...light=cigarbid but I would like this thread to be a one-stop summary of tips to using cigarbid.

The best post from the above thread (IMHO) was from Architeuthis:

"These days Squid® sets a ridiculously low limit to my bids. I lose on maybe 85% or 90% of my bids, but when I win I get really REALLY good prices. Don't ever let the excitement get to you. I usually see about 20% of the bids in CBid go over retail price... Good for CI but still...I lurked on cigarbid for a few weeks before I won an auction. I bid on a few items but always got outbid. That's okay, because I was looking for a decent deal--which is not always the case, especially if you are hell bent on winning a particular item. "


I am proud to say that I have finally won a couple of auctions on c-bid. My first was a box of 5 Vegas Limitada 2008 Belicoso in that sweet packaging with the ashtray/lid--got it for $70 plus shipping. http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/imag... Belicoso (25)


So with all that said, here are some strategies I have been using to get the most out of Cigarbid auctions. Your mileage may vary. Please feel free to correct me if you think I'm mistaken, or add your own comments and tips. And as always, thanks for playing along!:

Try to get into an auction early, before all the lots are bid on. Look at "Lots opening today" to see when upcoming auctions will start. If you get into an auction before all the lots are bid on, you can get in at the minimum bid. If it is a single item that is up for bids you will have the best chance of winning it if you are the first bidder (and you set your limit high enough).

Autobid is your friend. Decide what you are willing to spend on the item you are bidding on, and set that as your upper limit (enter the auction at the lowest acceptable bid).

If all the lots you are looking at have bids, but are below what you are willing to pay, then you may be tempted to bid. However, take a look to see if all the bidders are using autobid. If they are, you may not bump anyone at your upper limit. My rule of thumb is if all the lots have already been bid on by autobidders, I bow out--if we all do this as a community, prices will stay low. Just keep watching the upcoming auctions until the item you wanted comes up for bids again.

If you want to save money on shipping, use thier once-a-week shipping option. If you do this, also be aware of what days your auctions close--if you win auctions in two different weeks, you will have two shipments.

Whew! Sorry to be so long winded, but I thought it would be helpful to start a thread with some tips like these. Please continue the thread with your own helpful advice.

[Phantom57-cl]

Good advice. That is how all these sites make a lot of money. People get carried away and buy for MSRP and over.

[shortstory5]

I bid on lots and lots of auctions at a time and win a handful... I always get really good prices and save on shipping too!

[Hot Stuff x]

That's what I've done this week. I bid on a bunch that conclude this week so I could get them shipped in bulk.

[sboyajian]

Setting your max bid as an autobid is always the way to go. Especially if someone throws a bid in the middle of your range up and it pushes you up, and you still have autobid, most people will walk away, allowing you to win without much of a fight..

That's how I got my box of Nubs for $61.

[shortstory5]

Originally Posted by sboyajian

Setting your max bid as an autobid is always the way to go. Especially if someone throws a bid in the middle of your range up and it pushes you up, and you still have autobid, most people will walk away, allowing you to win without much of a fight..

That's how I got my box of Nubs for $61.

Yes, the autobid feature gives you priority on your highest bid.

[mc2712]

I have set price I want to pay and do not bid any higher then that, my logic is if I don't when it this time, I'll try the next time. I lose 90% of my bids, but when I do win I get it for 1/3 of the MRSP. It's an auction, do not pay more (or half) then you would if you bought off of CI.

[Coop D]

I just won a box of the 5 Vegas A type box press for $41 less then what CI has them on sale. $2.15 a stick is right in my value price range, so I am happy with it!

[mc2712]

Originally Posted by Coop D

I just won a box of the 5 Vegas A type box press for $41 less then what CI has them on sale. $2.15 a stick is right in my value price range, so I am happy with it!

THAT IS A GREAT WIN, congrats.

[Coop D]

I set my max bid and it won it. I like the 5 Vegas lines, and the A is a nice dark maduro!

[doblemaduro]

I don't understand the devil sites bidding practices. I set an auto bid at $50 tops. 3 days later, a couple of people bid $50 and won and I was bumped off. Remember, I had bid 3 days earlier that I would go up to $50 through auto bid. Why didn't I win? I placed the bid first through auto bid. I thought that sucked! Haven't been back!

[SMOKE20]

Auto bid is the way to go, but always check some other sites too for prices so you do not over pay

[SixPackSunday]

i stay away. probably will continue to until i get rich

[Hot Stuff x]

Originally Posted by doblemaduro

I don't understand the devil sites bidding practices. I set an auto bid at $50 tops. 3 days later, a couple of people bid $50 and won and I was bumped off. Remember, I had bid 3 days earlier that I would go up to $50 through auto bid. Why didn't I win? I placed the bid first through auto bid. I thought that sucked! Haven't been back!

Thats the kind of question that you should take up with the admins at C-bid. If that happened to me I would want to know why.

[Coop D]

What happened was your max auto bid was $50. there max auto bid was more then $50 so they bumped your $50 off since the new winning bid was probably $53+... Very confussing, but they were the winners.