# Timed online auction

> An auction held entirely online in which each lot closes at a scheduled time, often extended by a few minutes if a bid arrives just before the close. No auctioneer calls the lots.

- URL: https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/timed-online-auction
- Language: English
- Also known as: Online-only auction, Timed auction, eBay-style auction
- Last updated: 2026-10-07
- Français: https://www.selloff.auction/fr/glossaire/vente-en-ligne-chronometree.md

## Definition

An auction held entirely online in which each lot closes at a scheduled time, often extended by a few minutes if a bid arrives just before the close. No auctioneer calls the lots.

Timed auctions suit large numbers of lower-value lots and let bidders take part at their own pace. Lots usually close one after another at set intervals, and the extension rule (often called a soft close) discourages last-second sniping.

In Selloff, the eBay-style sale type gives each lot its own closing time and adds time for every bid placed in the final minutes; the extension is configurable.

## Related features

- [Sales & auction types](https://www.selloff.auction/features/auction-types.md): Run auctions, offer sales, eBay-style timed sales and fixed-price sales, each with its own sessions, catalogues, dates, fees and bid increments.
- [Online catalogue publishing](https://www.selloff.auction/features/online-catalogue-publishing.md): Publish catalogues on your own website through the Selloff API and WordPress plugin, with instant updates, online bidding, client accounts and platform exports.

## Related terms

- [Online bid](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/online-bid.md): A bid submitted over the internet, either in advance (a pre-bid) through the auction house's website or a bidding platform, or live while the sale is taking place.
- [Live auction](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/live-auction.md): An auction conducted in real time by an auctioneer, with lots offered one after another and bids taken as they come, in a saleroom, online or both.
- [Hybrid auction](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/hybrid-auction.md): A live auction in which bids are taken at the same time from the saleroom, telephone lines, absentee orders and online bidders, all competing on the same lots in real time.