[Allen]

That would be unusual.

I think everyone can and should go ahead and snipe away. There's no major advantage to those programs outside of being able to place a bid for you when it isn't convenient otherwise (like auctions ending really late or during the work day).

I've read about all sorts of complaints from people who were outbid by others using sniping programs...... no big deal. Simply bid your maximum. If the item exceeds your max, you've been saved from overpaying. Sniping programs don't help you win auctions when someone else is willing to pay more.