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Of course the server would choose to die /right now/. I've fixed it, the link should work again now :)

Instead of running it once per day, you could run it hourly. Rank the items with the same algorithm, but take into account time left on the auction. An item expiring soon that scores really high could be purchased early so it doesn't get away. Items expiring later could be watched and dumped if the price goes too high, or determined to be worth the extra expense, if the amount is available in savings, so the more expensive good items don't get away either.

Should it go down again - there's a mirror at http://bieh.net.nyud.net/2010/11/08/xkcd-576/

Scan the item description field and buy items with lots of long words!

How do you make sure you order tangible items? Lots of intangible items sell on eBay, like ebooks and other digital goods. Wouldn't this undermine the goal of receiving packages?