Timed / English (Ascending) Auctions

Timed auction software where the highest bid wins

The classic ascending auction, done properly. BidWright's timed engine ships with proxy bidding and soft-close anti-sniping, reserve prices and paddle numbers — built entirely in-house. No third-party plugins, no licence fees.

✓ Proxy bidding✓ Soft-close anti-sniping✓ Reserves & paddles

What is a timed (English) auction?

A timed or English auction is the format most people picture: bidders openly compete by raising the price, and the highest bid wins when the lot's clock runs out. It's the right choice whenever competition drives value — and the details (how late bids are handled, how proxies work, how reserves are enforced) are exactly what separates a real auction engine from a basic listing.

Proxy bidding

Bidders set a maximum and the system bids for them — only as high as needed to stay in front. Less stress, more competition.

Soft-close anti-sniping

A late bid extends the closing time, so lots reach their true value instead of being stolen at the buzzer.

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Reserves & control

Set reserve prices, increments, paddle numbers, and optional anonymous bidding — full control per sale.

How proxy bidding and soft close work

01 — Set your maxA bidder enters the highest amount they'll pay. It stays private.
02 — Auto-bidThe engine bids on their behalf, just enough to lead, up to that maximum.
03 — Late bid?A bid near the deadline extends the clock so everyone gets a fair chance.
04 — Highest winsWhen the extended clock finally closes, the top bid takes the lot.

When to use a timed auction

Vehicles

Open competition plus deposits and reserves — ideal for cars, bikes, and fleet disposal.

Property

Transparent ascending sales with reserves and qualified, registered bidders.

Collectables & art

Let demand find the price; soft close protects premium lots from snipes.

Equipment & machinery

Showcase with unlimited images and sell to a competitive online crowd.

Estate & general goods

High-volume catalogues with scheduled open/close times.

Charity lots

Drive bidding wars for good causes, with full transparency.

Built in-house — like all six BidWright engines

The timed engine is our own code, not a bolted-on plugin — so there are no per-module licence fees, nothing to break on a third-party update, and full freedom to tailor increments, extensions, and reserves to your business.

Timed auction FAQ

What is a timed (English) auction?
The classic ascending format: bidders compete by raising the price, and the highest bid wins when the lot closes.
What is proxy bidding?
A bidder sets the maximum they'll pay and the system bids on their behalf, only as high as needed to stay in front, up to that maximum.
What is soft close / anti-sniping?
If a bid lands in the final moments, the closing time extends slightly so others can respond — preventing last-second sniping and producing fairer prices.
Can I set a reserve price?
Yes. A reserve means the lot won't sell unless bidding meets your minimum.
Can bidding be anonymous?
Yes — anonymous bidding is configurable, and bidders are identified by paddle numbers within each auction.
Is the timed engine built in-house?
Yes. It's our own code — no third-party plugins, no per-module licence fees — and it can be white-labelled or extended.

Launch a timed auction engine you own

Book a 30-minute demo and we'll show proxy bidding and soft close live, then map the engine to your catalogue.

In-house. No plugins. No licence fees.