By using this optional feature, items that end without a winning bidder can be automatically extended by the system. Sellers can select the Auto-Extend option when creating a listing.
Auto-Extension allows the same listing to remain active without creating a new Item Number each time the auction ends without bids. This helps preserve user interest associated with the listing, such as users who are Watching the item, while also allowing the seller to maintain one continuous listing rather than accumulating multiple ended, unsold listings for the same item.
When an eligible listing ends with no bids:
- The Item Number remains the same.
- The Ending Date is extended based on the listing's original duration.
- The listing continues to Auto-Extend until it receives a bid or reaches its Expiration Date.
- Once the listing reaches an Ending Date that is past its Expiration Date, it will no longer Auto-Extend or automatically relist.
Example
Item Number 10 is listed on May 1 with a 7-day duration. The listing has an initial Ending Date of May 8 and an Expiration Date of July 30.
If the listing ends on May 8 with no bids, the system keeps Item Number 10 and extends the Ending Date by another 7 days, to May 15.
This Auto-Extension process continues as long as the listing receives no bids and remains eligible for extension. When Item Number 10 reaches its Ending Date on August 1, that date is past the Expiration Date. The listing will therefore not Auto-Extend or automatically relist again.
Relist Even if Sold
The Relist Even if Sold listing option remains available and works differently from Auto-Extension.
When a listing ends with a winning bidder and Relist Even if Sold is selected:
- The completed listing retains its original Item Number.
- A new listing is automatically created with a new Item Number.
- The new listing receives a new Start Date.
- The Expiration Date is recalculated based on the new listing's Start Date.
Example
Item Number 10 was originally listed on May 1 with a 7-day duration and an Expiration Date of July 30.
If Item Number 10 sells on May 15, the Relist Even if Sold option creates a new listing as Item Number 11.
Item Number 11 has a new Start Date of May 15, and its Expiration Date is recalculated to August 13.
In summary: Auto-Extension keeps an unsold listing active under the same Item Number, while Relist Even if Sold creates a new listing with a new Item Number after the previous listing sells.