January and sometimes into early Feb have typically be the slowest/lowest times I've ever tried to sell. In fact, I don't even post auctions then any more (yes, it was that bad). It's a combination of sticker shock from the credit card bills people get after Christmas, and, the upcoming income tax time (at least that's my story...lol).
I used to list my auctions for several days figuring the longer it was out there, the more people would see it. However, many auction hunters just look at the stuff that is about to end (or has just been listed). So, I switched to 3 day auctions listing them on Thursday evening and ending on Sunday evening. Most people are home on Sunday evening and TV isn't the greatest (lol), so more people seem to be on their puters. At least the increase in numbers and prices of bids has reflected that for me.