What is the right length for an online auction? (2024)

FAQs

What is the right length for an online auction? ›

Set Time Limits

If, for instance, you are considering launching an auction on a Tuesday, it may be better to run the auction for 5 days rather than 7 days, since your auction will end over the weekend when people are more likely to have free time to bid on eBay.

Set Time Limits

If, for instance, you are considering launching an auction on a Tuesday, it may be better to run the auction for 5 days rather than 7 days, since your auction will end over the weekend when people are more likely to have free time to bid on eBay.

Most online auctions have between 20 and 40 items, though an auction with 12 or so great items can be very successful. It is better to have fewer items that are all high quality vs. many items of varying quality. At an absolute maximum, include no more than one item for every two bidders.

Depending on the auction design, number of bidders, and the number of licenses being offered, an auction might run anywhere from one day to several weeks. Auctions are typically conducted Monday through Friday during normal business hours (Eastern Time).

All we can do in this regard is to urge you to place your bids early.” “There are inherent risks in sniping. If you wait too long to bid, the auction could close before your bid is processed. If your maximum doesn't beat the current high bidder, you won't have a second chance to up the ante.

The optimal auction length is seven to ten days. Running for less than seven days = not enough time to benefit from word-of-mouth. find out if they won an item.

The ideal auction length tends to be one to three weeks, after which the site collects the payments and transfers the total to you.

Most auction sites now employ a 15-minute rule, where any last minute bid extends the auction another 15 minutes. This would benefit the sellers, buyers and eBay itself. I think the difference is that those other auction sites have scheduled auctions. Probably once a week more or less.

Sunday. Sunday is widely considered to be the best day to end an auction, as Jane eBay and Joe Bidder are more likely to be sitting in front of their computers at home with time to shop. Many people also use Sunday-and to a lesser extent, Saturday—as “get things done” days, including searching and bidding on eBay.

Either a Thursday or Friday evening is the best day for the auction to begin, as this means the auction will be viewed over the weekend, which is peak time for activity. Targeting commuters on their way home creates a viewing window, thus creating interest and optimal viewing over the weekend.

Why do I always get outbid on eBay at the last second? ›

Someone might be sniping to win or they may have put in a high proxy bid earlier in the auction so when you placed your bid in the last few seconds, their higher proxy bid got upped to outbid you.

I suggest you start with ten seconds left, or even twelve or thirteen, and with practice refine it down as near the end as you've determined that you can reasonably rely on. Always remember, though, that it isn't necessarily the last bid that wins: it's the highest bid that wins, regardless of when it was placed.

I suggest you start with ten seconds left, or even twelve or thirteen, and with practice refine it down as near the end as you've determined that you can reasonably rely on. Always remember, though, that it isn't necessarily the last bid that wins: it's the highest bid that wins, regardless of when it was placed.

eBay bidding tips

You stand a greater chance of getting the item by placing your highest bid in the closing seconds. If an auction listing has a reserve price, bid up to that amount as early as possible, so other bidders aren't attracted by the low starting price.

If you end a listing early, it risks disappointing potential buyers, so we strongly discourage all our sellers from doing so.

It completely depends on the market for the item you are selling. Were the $300+ sold recently and were they bids or buy it now? If the sold items are older listings and the current active listings have many of the same items listed, look at the lowest priced item.