When is the best day and time to close a timed auction?

Choosing the right day and time to close a timed auction can boost bidding activity and increase final sale prices.

1. Why timing matters

• Bidder activity peaks just before work, during lunch breaks, and early evening times when bidders are most engaged.
• Avoid scheduling your auction close during major competing events, such as big sports finals or public holidays, to prevent divided attention.

2. Best days of the week

• Weekdays generally see the highest online traffic.
• Fridays can work well if your audience spends time browsing over the weekend.
• Avoid weekends, especially Sunday evenings, when bidders often focus on personal plans.

3. Ideal times of day

• 5pm to 7pm local time: Peak engagement as people return home from work, ideal for last-minute bids.
• 11am to 1pm: Lunch break window with increased mobile bidding activity.
• Avoid early mornings (before 8am) and late nights (after 10pm), when bidder activity is low.

4. Tips for your auction

• Choose a midweek day combined with peak time, for example, Wednesday at 7pm.
• Consider your audience’s location, if your bidders are spread across time zones, pick a time that suits most participants.
• Send reminders to registered bidders before the auction closes.
• Highlight the closing time clearly in your marketing: “Auction ends Thursday 7pm BST.”