Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to bid at Gardner Galleries?
To register, simply click here and follow the prompts, the process takes less than two minutes to complete. After verifying your email address, your account will be activated and you may participate in all weekly auctions. If you wish to cancel your account at any time, visit your Preferences page when logged in or contact our office for assistance.
Do I need to provide my credit card information?
A valid Visa or Mastercard is required during registration in order to obtain bidding approval. You may update your card details at any time by selecting Account in the top right corner of the website. A temporary $1.00 pre‑authorization will be applied to confirm your information and is immediately refunded. Your card will remain securely stored on your account and may be used to pay for purchases after an auction.
I forgot my password. Can I still log in?
Of course, you can use the Forgot Password feature located under Login/Register to have a reset link emailed to you, or simply contact us.
Can I change my password?
Users may change their password at any time by visiting the Account page when logged in. Select the Edit icon beside the password field, enter your new password, and save. If you would like to change your username, please contact our office and we will reset it for you.
Will I receive a bidder number?
When you place your first bid in any auction, the system automatically assigns you a bidder number for that specific sale. Numbers are issued sequentially (e.g., 20001, 20002, etc.). Your bidder number changes with each auction; however, a permanent number can be assigned upon request.
What is the relationship between Old Town Hall Auctions and Gardner Galleries?
Old Town Hall Auctions is an independent auction company based in Paris, Ontario. Their online auctions are hosted on this website and follow the same Terms & Conditions and bidding format. Please note that payment and pickup for Old Town Hall auctions are handled exclusively through their company, and items are not located at Gardner Galleries in London. Contact Old Town Hall directly for inquiries.
How does Gardner Galleries protect my personal and credit card information?
Our website is secured with a current SSL Certificate, ensuring all submitted information remains private. Online payment data is stored securely and encrypted through Stripe.com, a leading global e‑commerce payment provider with bank‑level security. Credit card details are never visible to Gardner Galleries or any third party.
How do I place a bid?
After registering, verifying your email, and agreeing to the Terms & Conditions, you may begin bidding. Select an item, enter your bid amount, and a confirmation window will appear. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirming your bid. When viewing the auction page after placing a bid, items you are winning appear in green; items you have been outbid on appear in red. You may increase your bid at any time by entering a higher amount and selecting Enter Your Next Bid.
What is a Max Bid?
A Max Bid allows you to set the highest amount you are willing to pay without manually monitoring the auction. The system will automatically bid on your behalf in the next increment above competing bids, up to your maximum. If competing bids remain below your Max Bid, you will win the item at the next increment—not necessarily your full maximum. If two bidders enter the same Max Bid, the bidder who placed it first (according to the website’s clock) will be the high bidder.
How will I know if I have been outbid?
You will receive an email notification if you are outbid. The email includes a direct link to the item should you wish to increase your bid. You may also check the auction page or your Watch List to see your current bidding status.
Can other bidders see my information?
The only visible information is the bidder number assigned to you for that auction. Bid history is displayed in each lot description, showing the number of bids and the order in which they were placed, but never personal details.
Can I retract a bid?
All bids placed on gardnergalleries.com are legally binding once submitted/confirmed, and cannot be retracted. If you are the successful bidder, you enter a binding contract to purchase the item. Please review your bid carefully before confirming, as it cannot be removed.
What is the Watch List?
Your Watch List (located at the top of the page when logged in) allows you to monitor items of interest. Click the “eyeball” icon beside Bid Now to add an item. Any item you bid on is automatically added to your Watch List. The number of watchers for each lot is also displayed.
What is a Soft Close?
Items close at their scheduled time unless a bid is placed within the final 2 minutes. If so, the countdown resets to two minutes to allow continued bidding. A lot closes only when no bids have been received for two minutes. Once closed, items move from Open to Closed for easier viewing.
How do I know if I won an item?
An invoice is emailed to you immediately after the auction concludes. You may also view your invoices under Account → Invoices, where they can be saved or printed. Your bidder number will appear as the Winning Bidder once the auction has fully closed.
How do I pay for and collect my purchases?
Invoices are emailed within one hour of the auction closing. Pickup hours are:
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free parking and loading is available behind our building at 407 Hamilton Road, London, and staff are available to assist with loading larger items. Payment options include:
Visa or Mastercard
Cash
Debit
Certified cheque or bank draft
E‑transfer (sent to info@gardnergalleries.com) or wire transfer
Does Gardner Galleries offer delivery or shipping?
Our shipping department can arrange shipment across Canada and internationally. Most couriers have size and weight limitations however, and we strongly recommend requesting a complimentary shipping quote before bidding. For larger items, we work with several cartage companies and can provide delivery quotes within London and from Windsor to Toronto.
Do I need to re-register for each auction?
Once you have registered with gardnergalleries.com, your account may be used for all current and upcoming auctions without having to re-register again. Simply login to the website and you are ready to bid!
