Why did my Buy it Now button disappear from eBay?

Dilemma: Buy it Now feature disappears or is removed from your eBay auction.

Rationale: eBay's silly team of experts decided it was best to automatically remove the button from a listing once any bid has been placed, the exception* only being in the following categories

1. Parts & Accessories (eBay Motors)
2. Tickets
3. Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

*Even in these categories, the BIN option will be available on an item until the bidding reaches 50% of the BIN price.

Summary: First, don't rely on your BIN and if your item is expensive, set a reserve or used fixed price.  However, if your item fits into one of the above categories and is of low profile, you can get the most of your BIN button by setting it at least $0.01 more than double your starting price.  That way, for instance with a shirt that only 2 people might look at, the one person may be a cheapskate and only place the starting bid of $5 rather than BIN for $10.01. After he has placed his bid though, someone else may come along and opt to BIN rather than placing a "one-higher" bid.

Stay tuned for more valuable eBay tips and tricks!