I use
http://www.auctionstealer.com to bid on eBay items. It automatically places your bid about 10 seconds before time is up. You get 3 free bids per week.
I always decide the *maximum* I am willing to pay for the item and put that amount in auctionstealer. If I am outbid, I know the item sold for more than I was willing to pay. The system bids the minimum I can get the item for.