This might help clear up the bid point question on esnipe.
As far as placing bids over 5K..... I think I would either have to inspect or have the item inspected rather then placing a bid based on pictures and information supplied by a seller.
In which case I would then attempt to neg a deal outside of ebay to avoid the stupid fees they charge.
There are other snipe bid sites out there but they collect and exchange personal information.
eSnipe users are charged using a micropayment system called BidPoints. Each BidPoint costs 1 cent and pays for $1 of the final auction price only if you win. If you don't win, there's no charge. You buy BidPoints at the rate of 1 BidPoint per $1 of the auction closing amount (normally called the "auction win"), rounded down to the nearest BidPoint. If you're confused by this whole BidPoints thing, don't worry. It's all handled automatically, and you can see your balance easily. If you take the time to learn about BidPoints you'll find that they can save you money over and above the 1% if you buy in bulk. Using BidPoints allows eSnipe to keep costs down by minimizing transaction fees for credit cards and electronic checks, to issue refunds quickly, and to offer promotions from time to time.
[TABLE="class: price1"]
[TR]
[TH="align: left"]Winning Bid[/TH]
[TH="align: left"]BidPoints Required[/TH]
[TH="align: left"]Your Cost[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]$0-$24.99[/TD]
[TD]25 BidPoints[/TD]
[TD]$0.25[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]$25-$1,000[/TD]
[TD]1 BidPoint per $1 of each item won[/TD]
[TD]$0.25 to $10.00[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]$1,000 and up[/TD]
[TD]1000 BidPoints per item won, never more![/TD]
[TD]$10.00 maximum[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
