What do you do for work?

I am a Social Services Manager

How did you first find out about MadBid.com?

I think I was browsing the web for cheap deals on i-phones, when I came across MadBid and it seemed to offer the opportunity to get hold of luxury items at a fraction of the price and it looked like it could be fun.

What do you think about MadBid.com and how it works?

I think it is to MadBid’s credit that they make a clear statement on the website about responsible bidding.  In my case they also got in touch with me to check that my bids were ‘above board’ when I was bidding heavily, which was actually reassuring in the age of identity theft etc.  The terms and conditions are clearly laid out in relatively plain English, which is good.  And, providing you approach it sensibly, MadBid really can help you get luxury items for a bargain price.  Personally I would like to see more sporting goods available to bid for; specifically top end mountain bikes (i.e. those with a rrp over £2000).

What first made you bid on the Audi A3?

Honestly, the fact that it was an Audi and the value of the car. I studied previous auctions for cars on MadBid an subsequently thought up a strategy that I believed was relatively foolproof. I wasn’t looking for a car in particular, but the chance to win a high value item proved irresistible to me.

How did you feel when you had found out that you had won?

If I am being honest, the main feeling was one of relieft. The auction had gone on for a long time, and I was beginning to doubt my strategy. I was of course pleased as I have never won a major prize before, so to win a car is fantastic, but it did take a while to sink in,it all seemed a bit surreal. I think I was in shock and I do remember being flooded with adrenalin when the text came through to say I was the winner. The experience of MadBid overall has been mixed for me; I have felt excited, stressed, disappointed and triumphant – a real emotional rollercoaster!

What advice would you give to new users on MadBid.com?

Make sure you have read all of the Terms and Conditions before you decide to bid.  Bid on one item at a time.  Bid often enough that other bidders realise you are a serious contender and that you won’t be giving up easily.  Know your own limits; decide beforehand how many bids you can afford to use, and do not allow yourself to go beyond that limit.  Have a clear strategy in mind and stick with it; do not be tempted to begin bidding wildly, stay in control.  And try to use other bidders’ behaviour to understand their psychology, i.e. do they want to win more than you do?  You have to be prepared to lose as well; not everyone can be a winner.  Finally, if you see that I am bidding on something, think very carefully before taking me on; I am tenacious and I rarely concede defeat!

What was your strategy when bidding on the car?

First of all I kept a close eye on the other bidders, noting their habits and identifying those who seemed most serious about trying to win the car.  It was important to me to know who were my most serious opponents.  I used Autobid a lot, mainly to ensure that I was always visible to other bidders, that I had a presence.  My strategy was relatively risky, as it meant being prepared to use a lot of bids and to stay in the game right to the end.  But I know I am a determined person, and I was determined to win, so I went all out with a kind of ‘blanket bombing’ campaign, bidding heavily and trying to convey to other bidders that I was essentially unbeatable.  I can look back on my approach and say that it led to me winning, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a working model for others!

Note from MadBid:

As you probably know the Audi is being made to order and as such there is quite a long lead time. We will be filming the handover and will publish it as soon as it is ready!! Once again congratulations Steve!!