Learn to buy and sell antiques and collectibles

How Long Should an eBay Auction Run?

What Are The Best eBay Ending Days and Times?

There are many different opinions about when to list, how long to list for, and when to have your auctions end. Over tens of thousands of auctions, my friends and I have concluded that it doesn't matter if you use five or seven day auctions. Either will get similar results.

Ten day auctions usually bring less money than either five or seven day auctions, and three day auctions sometimes do better, sometimes do worse then five or seven day auctions. A ten day auction removes the urgency from the viewer. The potential bidder has enough time to decide whether to bid or not, and to look for other items. Also because of the longer length bidders are more likely to forget or change their minds before the item ends.

A three day auction is too short to get exposure to enough bidders to consistently bring in good money for unique items. I use three day and ten day auctions for some of my multiple items auctions because these auction lengths make sense.

Think about it, eBay search results are presented by newly listed items or items ending today. Surfers only see the items that are either new or ending. The first 24 hours and the last 24 hours are when the majority of viewers will see your auction.

A three day auction is a great way to move quantities of similar items. Starting a new three day auction every day will put your auction at the beginning of any search. You will always have an eBay listing starting and ending.

I use five day long auctions for my unique items because they consistently get me good results and allow me to move more stuff though faster.

It Doesn't Matter When Your Auction Ends

Many sellers swear they get higher bids by having their auctions end on Sunday nights, others will tell you to end your auction on Saturday afternoon. Listen to enough people and you will be told every day is the best day to end your auction.

I think it doesn't matter what day your auction ends. If you have something that someone wants they will bid on it. As far as the time, this also matter very little. Most buyers are aware of the sniper programs, and those that aren't will bid before the auction ends anyway.

I end my auctions on Monday and Wednesday nights because this is convenient for me. It also means that more bidders are home when the auction ends. You should have your auctions run through the weekend because many bidders search on the weekend and bookmark the items they want to buy.

To learn about sniper programs consult the eBay Bid Sniper Review page.

Terry

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Terry Gibbs has taught over 7,000 people how to make a good living on eBay. Terry's most recent eBay instruction manual is The Auction Revolution . The Auction Revolution is your guide to eBay and beyond. Here on Iwantcollectibles.com, you will learn about buying and selling antiques and collectibles, and about eBay.