Totally agree with Sinbad. Bid at the end and use a sniping tool like Just Snipe. It's won me an item or 2 over the years that I don't think I would have won if I bidded early. There have been some ridiculous prices for things (not just pinball) all because everyone was too eager to bid early.
With Just Snipe, you can set your max price now but it won't put the bid on until 7 seconds from the end. That way you don't get into any bidding wars and end up paying more than you were originally prepared to pay.
