During a timed online auction, auction sniping is the strategic practice and execution of placing a winning bid that is likely to exceed the current high bid (if the current auction price is hidden) as soon as possible. Auction snipers are a source of great annoyance for both online auction participants and auctioneers. Auction sniping typically occurs in the final few seconds of an online auction, leaving no time for other bidders to outbid the sniper.