This article describes processes and tips for creating and managing a Timed Event in AuctionBuilder.
This article contains the following sections:
Event Setup
Select Timed as the Event Type to set up an online-only auction in which 100% of the bidding will take place online. A timed auction typically runs approximately two weeks.
when creating a Timed Event, enter the approximate number of lots into the Number of Items field. This number will change automatically as lots are added or removed from the catalog.
Select the Bidding Start Time. This is the date and time that bidders can begin bidding on items in the event. This must be a date in the future.
Select the First Item's End Time. This will be when the lots start closing.
There are two options for automating end times:
- Timed: All lots end/close at the same time. To use this option, select the Set Last Item's End Time radio button and select a date/time.
- Staggered: Lots will end sequentially in regular time increments. To use this option, select the Set Time Increment Between Items radio button and use the drop-downs to select the increment. This estimated Last Item End time will update as lots are added or removed or the closing increment is changed.
Last second bids will push back the lot closing time by 2 minutes. This can continue indefinitely. Contact Seller Support to discuss having this time altered.
Changes to an event's end time cannot be made once the status is changed to 'Online'. To change the time after the event is online, contact Seller Support.
Timed and Live & Pre-Bid events should be set to an 'Online' status prior to the Bidding Start Time. The catalog will not open for pre-bids until the Bidding Start Time. If the event is still in a 'Pending' status at the Bidding Start Time, the catalog will not open for pre-bidding- the status must be changed to 'Online' first.
Managing a Timed Event
Catalogs should be finalized prior to changing the status of a Timed Event to 'Online'.
Lots cannot be created after the status of a Timed Event changes to 'Online'. To have lots added after an event is online, contact Seller Support.
Some fields will be restricted from edits in Timed events and Live & Pre-Bid events once the status is changed to 'Online'.
Additionally, certain edits will be restricted on lots with pre-bids. If a lot already has pre-bids, a message will appear at the top of the lot on Catalog Generator page. For more information on editing or deleting lots, see Edit Lots.
Extended Bidding
When bids are placed in the last few minutes before timed bidding closes on a lot, the end time will automatically be extended. Extended bidding will continue until bidding on a particular item ends. The default extended bidding time is two minutes. To change the extended bidding window, please contact Seller Support.