Auctions that run on your schedule — and close fairly.
Fixed-schedule auctions with real-time bid updates, proxy bidding, and configurable soft-close extension that prevents last-second sniping while maintaining predictable close times.
Format Overview
Timed auctions are the workhorse format of modern auction operations. They run on a fixed schedule with a defined start and end time, allowing bidders from any timezone to participate at their convenience. No auctioneer is required — the bidding engine handles bid acceptance, increment enforcement, proxy bid escalation, and winner determination automatically. When combined with AuctionFlow's soft-close anti-sniping rules, timed auctions deliver fair, transparent, and predictable outcomes that build long-term bidder trust. For operators running high-volume events with hundreds or thousands of lots, timed auctions provide the scalability and automation needed to manage catalogs efficiently without proportional staff increases.
How It Works
Fixed Schedule with Countdown Timer
Each lot has a defined start time and end time. A visible countdown timer shows bidders the remaining time. When the timer reaches zero, bidding closes and the highest bidder wins. Schedule durations are fully configurable — from 1-hour flash sales to 14-day extended auctions. Staggered lot closing (closing lots in groups at intervals) prevents all lots from closing simultaneously and distributes bidder attention.
Manual and Proxy Bidding
Bidders can place manual bids at any time during the auction window, or set a proxy bid maximum that the engine will bid up to automatically. Both bid types are processed identically through the validation pipeline. Proxy bids remain confidential until matched by a competing bid, and the engine only increments to the minimum amount needed to maintain the leading position.
Real-Time Bid Updates via WebSocket
All connected bidders receive instant price updates through persistent WebSocket connections. When a new bid is accepted, the current price, high bidder status, and time remaining update across all connected clients within milliseconds. This creates the competitive urgency that drives higher final prices without requiring bidders to refresh their browser.
Soft-Close Extension Logic
When enabled, soft-close automatically extends the auction end time if a bid is placed within a configurable window before close (default: 5 minutes). The extension duration, maximum number of extensions, and an absolute final deadline are all configurable per lot. This prevents sniping while keeping close times predictable.
Automatic Winner Determination
At lot close, the system automatically determines the winner based on the highest valid bid. If a reserve price was set and not met, the lot is marked as unsold. Winners are notified instantly via email with a payment link, and the lot transitions to the settlement workflow for invoice generation.
Rules & Configuration
Soft-Close Window
Configure the time window before close that triggers an extension when a bid is received. Common settings range from 2 to 10 minutes. Higher-value lots typically use longer windows to ensure competitive bidding completes fairly.
Maximum Extensions
Set the maximum number of soft-close extensions per lot. When the limit is reached, the next close time is final regardless of bidding activity. Common configurations range from 2 to 5 extensions.
Minimum Bid Increment
Define the minimum amount by which each new bid must exceed the current bid. Increments can be fixed (e.g., $25) or tiered (e.g., $25 up to $1,000, $50 from $1,000-$5,000, $100 above $5,000). Tiered increments are configured per lot category or auction-wide.
Reserve Pricing
Set a minimum acceptable price below which the lot will not sell. Reserve status can be displayed to bidders as "reserve not met" without revealing the amount, or hidden entirely. The reserve is evaluated at lot close.
Deposit Requirements
Require bidders to place a deposit before bidding — as a percentage of estimated value, a fixed amount, or a flat registration fee. Deposits are collected via the connected payment gateway and applied to the winner's invoice at settlement.
Best Use Cases
- High-volume estate sales with 100-500+ lots running over multiple days
- Industrial surplus and liquidation events with global buyer pools
- Vehicle and equipment auctions with scheduled inspection periods before bidding
- Private marketplace auctions with ongoing inventory rotation
- Retail overstock liquidation with fast lot turnover and automated settlement
- B2B surplus auctions with dealer classification and payment term management
Composability
Timed auctions can be combined with silent auction lots in the same event (simultaneous timed and silent lots with unified settlement), or used as the post-event extension phase in a hybrid auction that starts with live or silent formats. Lots can transition from timed to live format mid-event if operator intervention is desired for premium items.
Format Comparison
Compared to live auctions, timed auctions are more scalable (no staff required), more accessible (any timezone), and more predictable (fixed schedule). However, they generate less competitive energy than live formats and require soft-close rules to prevent sniping. Compared to silent auctions, timed auctions provide real-time bid visibility and competitive feedback, typically driving higher final prices for high-demand items.
Timed Auctions — Frequently Asked Questions
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