I usually do my Max bid 7 sec before ending then confirm 1-2 sec before. I'd say I have a pretty good win record with satisfying prices. I'm rarely outbid by a penny, fifty cents or dollar. If I'm still in the auction at 3 seconds left, it's probably going to be mine.
Most of my tap outs happen an hour or half hour before ending. That's usually for books I'm not sure the value of. I have a price in mind then the bids soar in $50 to $100 increments, and I take a K.O.
Don't sweat a loss though, there will always be another chance.