Breathesgelatin, I saw you were the high bidder on that Pi Phi pin thats currently up on ebay.
Unless there is a "buy it now option" and you want to make sure nobody can end the auction early, don't bid until the very end -- otherwise you just end up bidding up the price.
You can use a "sniper" (a computer program that enters a bid for you up to the amount you choose in the final seconds of an auction) if it's something you really really want. Most sniper programs give you ~5 free snipes, and only charge you if you win the item. (ex: you pay $5 for up to $500 of won items)
Wait until the very end of the auction and you'll get a better deal... and beat out some collectors
Good luck.. thats a really pretty pin!
(I'm waiting for one with a full shaft of either crown pearls, or some sort of jewel... might just buy one from headquarters though)