What is Auction Extension?
An automatic or manual prolonging of an e-Auction's closing time, triggered when bids arrive near the deadline.
Definition
An auction extension automatically pushes the closing time out when a bid arrives near the end of the window. Also called anti-sniping, it exists to stop a supplier winning by submitting at the last second, leaving competitors no opportunity to respond.
How it works in practice
An event is scheduled to close at 15:00 with a five-minute extension rule. A bid lands at 14:58, so closing moves to 15:03. Another bid at 15:02 moves it to 15:07. The event only ends once a full extension period passes with no improvement.
Why it matters
Extensions are what make a timed event a genuine price-discovery mechanism rather than a race to the clock. Without them, the winning bid reflects timing skill as much as commercial position.
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