It was sniping. When I want to bid on something on eBay, I get my bid all set up and then wait until 3 seconds before the end of the auction before I place it. I make sure the amount I put is all I'm wiling to pay and this is the first and only bid I make. I feel when you bid at the beginning or during the auction, it gives someone a heads up that there is an interest in that item. It also bids the price up. Try waiting until the very, very end. Good Luck!!