Why Setting the Correct Time Zone Matters
Accurate time zone settings are essential for clear communication with bidders. If your event is set to the wrong time zone:
- Start and end times may appear incorrect to participants.
- Automated emails and notifications may go out at unexpected times.
- Bidders might miss the opening or closing of the auction.
Setting it correctly ensures your event runs on schedule and avoids confusion.
Step 1: Log In to Your Dashboard
- Log in to your auction dashboard.
- Select the auction event you want to adjust.
- Go to Event Settings or General Settings.
Step 2: Locate the Time Zone Setting
- Look for a field labeled “Time Zone” or “Event Time Zone.”
- This setting determines how your event times display to bidders and when notifications are triggered.
Step 3: Choose Your Correct Time Zone
- Click the Time Zone dropdown menu.
- Search or scroll to find your local time zone.
- Select it and save your changes.
Pro Tip: Use the time zone where your organization is located or where the event will take place for the most accurate display.
Step 4: Verify Start and End Times
- After setting your time zone, double-check your auction start and end times.
- Make sure they align with your intended schedule.
- Adjust if necessary before publishing your event.
Step 5: Preview How Times Appear to Bidders
- Go to your auction preview page.
- Confirm that the start and end times display correctly.
- Remember: bidders in other time zones will see the event in your chosen time zone.
Step 6: Updating Time Zones After Launch (Optional)
You can change the time zone even after your auction is published, but:
- It may shift your event schedule.
- Notify bidders if any time changes occur.
- Update any external promotions or emails to reflect the new times.
Pro Tips for Managing Event Times
- Set the time zone before scheduling any start or end times.
- Avoid last-minute time zone changes.
- If your audience is national, clearly communicate the time zone in your emails and event description.
- Always preview the event as a bidder would before launch.
Related Guides
- How to Create a New Event
- Auction Page Design Tips
- Test Your Auction in Demo Mode
- How to Pay for Items I Won
- Do I Need to Register for an Account Before I Can Bid?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the time zone setting?
You can find the time zone setting under Event Settings or General Settings in your auction dashboard.
Why is my event time showing incorrectly?
Your event may be set to the wrong time zone. Updating it in your settings will correct how start and end times display.
Can I change my time zone after the auction starts?
Yes, but changing it may shift the event schedule. Always notify bidders if any changes are made after launch.
Do bidders see the event in their own time zone?
No. The event time displays based on the time zone you set in your event settings.
What time zone should I choose?
Use the time zone where your organization or event is located. This keeps your schedule consistent for local participants.
Will my scheduled times update automatically?
When you update your time zone, your event’s displayed start and end times adjust automatically to reflect the new setting.
Does changing the time zone affect notifications?
Yes. Automated notifications like opening, closing, or reminder messages use your selected time zone to trigger correctly.
Do I need to adjust my time zone for daylight saving time?
No. Time zone settings adjust automatically for daylight saving time if your region observes it.
Will bidders get notified if I change the time zone?
No automatic notifications are sent. If times change, send a manual update to your bidders to avoid confusion.
Can I set different time zones for different events?
Yes. Each event can have its own time zone setting, which is helpful if you host events in multiple regions.
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Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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