How long should an auction be live for?

Choosing the right auction length keeps momentum high and bidders engaged throughout.

1. Common auction lengths

• 5 to 10 days is standard for most timed online auctions.
• 3 to 5 days works well for flash sales or highly engaged bidder groups.
• 10 to 14 days suits high-value or niche items that need extra exposure.

2. What affects ideal duration

• Item type: Rare or expensive items benefit from longer auction periods.
• Audience: New bidders may need more time to find and participate in your auction.
• Marketing plan: Shorter auctions require stronger upfront promotion to drive early interest.

3. Quick tips

• 7 days is a solid default, long enough for visibility but short enough to keep urgency.
• Promote your auction early, and send reminders before it ends.
• Avoid auctions that run too long, as they risk losing bidder attention and momentum.