BUYING AT AUCTION
Bidding number
A bidding number is required to participate at a live auction. If you are an absentee or telephone bidder, a number will be assigned to you and a deposit may be requested. If bidding online a user name and password must be created (see below). If you are new to our auctions and attending for the first time, a driver's license or other photo I.D. is required at the time of registering for a bidder number.
Viewing (Live Auctions)
All items on sale are available for viewing in advance: Gardner's East Tuesday evening auctions can be viewed from 9:00am sale day at 401 Hamilton Road; Gardner Galleries catalogue and specialty sales have several days of exhibition at 186 York St.
We encourage anyone interested in buying to attend the viewings to examine items in person. Our staff is on hand during viewing times to assist you and answer questions.
Absentee, telephone and online bids (Live Auctions)
For those unable to attend the auction in person, Gardner's will execute absentee bids without charge. Telephone bidding is also available on the understanding this method is not infallible. Gardner's will not be held responsible for failure to execute absentee or telephone bids. Arrangements should be made as early as possible. Bids placed online for live auctions are treated as absentee bids. It is our policy that all bids sent by e-mail (or through this website) must be responded to and the bidder's identity confirmed. Therefore, if you bid online just before or during an auction, it may not be accepted. If you wish to bid the day of sale, telephone (519-439-3333) or fax (519-439-8873).
Sale of items
We will be glad to provide condition reports as an opinion only. Every item is sold "as is."
All lots are pre-numbered, therefore the approximate time a lot will appear can be estimated (80-100 lots per hour). A catalogue is available at major sales listing every item in the auction with any background information we have and a pre-sale estimate.
Online Auctions Before a bid can be placed online, a bidding account must be created, all accounts are reviewed by Gardner Galleries and a representative will contact you directly with activation information. Online bidders are assigned a user name and password. Online auctions begin and end on a pre-determined date, and if bidding takes place in the last five minutes the end time is extended to allow futher bidding. Winning bidders are contacted by e-mail or phone to arrange payment. Viewing is available in advance. Standard terms and conditions apply to these sales.
Payment, taxes and surcharges
Payment may be made by cash, debit, MasterCard, Visa, certified cheque or wire transfer. Cheques from new clients must clear before purchases are released. A fifteen percent (15%) Buyer's Premium applies on all purchases. Taxes are payable on the total of hammer price and Buyer’s Premium. Harmonized Sales Tax (13%) applies on all purchases unless exported from Canada. Bidding is in Canadian dollars.
Pick-up of purchases and shipping
Purchases can be removed at anytime during or for one hour following the auction once we have received payment. If you cannot pick up your purchases on the day of sale, both buildings
are open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that the Gardner's East location has very high turnover and weekly sales on Tuesday’s, therefore all items must be removed by Thursday of each week. Any items not removed are subject to immediate re-sale or disposal.
Gardner Galleries will pack and ship purchases with an additional surcharge added to the shipping price. Insurance and/or Registered Mail is the buyer's option, but we must be notified prior to shipping. A quote will be given before payment is requested, all items are then sent through Canada Post.
Gardner's will also assist in providing a shipping service through a third party such as an independent cartage agent or a specialized business (NAVIS, UPS Store, etc.), at the buyer's own responsibility and risk.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
