| This is always an ongoing discussion in my forums, | | | | I have heard that the airing time of certain TV |
| discussion groups, and from my clients. I personally | | | | programs can affect eBay buying. I disagree with that |
| have sales any time of day, any day of week. I don't | | | | theory. Auction sniping porgrams give buyers the |
| see any patterns. There is a report circulating that | | | | flexibility to be away from their computer when |
| supposedly has some "scientific" (and I use that term | | | | auctions end. Buyers are using these programs more |
| loosely) information about end times. Too many | | | | and more because some are free, others are very |
| variables exist to prove anything about the best time | | | | low cost for the convenience they offer, and these |
| to end an eBay auction. eBay isn't cut and dry, black or | | | | programs are much more efficient at submitting the bid |
| white. It is all very gray. There are all different buyers | | | | than a human clicking a mouse. Not everyone in every |
| using eBay at all different times of day, in every time | | | | eBaying country around the world is glued to their TV |
| zone around the world. You've got different factors | | | | to watch American Idol or Desperate Housewives. I |
| motivating people to buy - did they just get a | | | | know plenty of people who never or rarely watch tv - |
| paycheck? Is it the end of the month when money is | | | | myself included. With inventions like TiVo, DVR, and |
| tight? Are people getting their tax refunds? Is a | | | | TV programs on DVDs, viewers aren't required to be |
| gift-giving holiday coming up? Is a new season | | | | in front of their TV at a certain time to watch a |
| starting? | | | | program. They can record programs and watch them |
| I think the timing issue becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy | | | | anytime they want. |
| - a self-proclaimed expert may say, "The best time to | | | | My theory is that you list when it is convenient for you, |
| end your listings is ABC day at XYZ time." After | | | | and use the scheduling feature if you feel strongly |
| reading the "expert's" information, a huge number of | | | | about when to end your listings. The important factor is |
| people time their listings to end at ABC day at XYZ | | | | getting your item out there on eBay so that buyers |
| time - and viola - suddenly you have a huge number of | | | | can see it. If buyers can't see your item, they can't buy |
| auctions ending at that time. Sellers were influenced by | | | | it. |
| something they read and tried to make their auctions | | | | Learn more about ebay selling by visiting my blog, and |
| "fit" into a specific timeframe. | | | | my eBay selling website. |