Buying At Auction In The Digital Age
Our goal is to make online auctions as exciting and dynamic as if you were bidding in a live auction salesroom.
We also strive to make the bidding process as easy and user friendly as possible, so you can bid anywhere in the world at anytime of day from your mobile device while enjoying the exhilaration of an auction.
Bidder Registration
The first step is to complete our online registration form, including your full name, mailing address, telephone number, email address and a valid Visa or Mastercard through Gardner Galleries secure website. Users must be over the age of 18 to register, and must also read and accept our terms and conditions of sale. New bidders located outside of Ontario may be asked to supply additional information such as valid photo identification and a bank reference. Once your identity is confirmed, your account will be activated.
You are now ready to join thousands of bidders in weekly online auctions of jewellery, artwork, furniture, unique collectibles & more. For those uncomfortable with online bidding, absentee bid forms are available to fill-out in person and Gardner Galleries can bid on behalf of the client. Bids are also accepted by telephone or email, but arrangements should be made well in advance.
The Auction Is About To Begin...
Browse current and upcoming auctions, confirm start and end times, and review our full Terms & Conditions of Sale.
Select “Enter Auction” beneath the auction heading, then scroll down to view all available lots.
When you find an item of interest, enter your bid. You may place either the next minimum bid or a Max Bid at any time before the auction closes.
A bidding number will be assigned to you once your first bid is submitted.
Bidding increments are displayed on each lot, and minimum bids vary depending on the current price.
Each lot features a 2‑minute soft closing. If no additional bids are placed within this window, the lot will close at the scheduled time.
If a bid is placed within the final two minutes, the clock will reset, allowing you to continue bidding if desired.
Once the countdown ends, the lot will move from “Open” to “Closed.”
After the auction concludes, your invoice will be emailed to you and will also appear in your Account page, along with payment and pick‑up instructions.
Viewing & Condition Reports
All items offered for sale are available for in‑person viewing by appointment. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to examine items firsthand to confirm size, condition, and suitability. Our staff is available during viewing hours to assist and answer questions. Condition reports may also be requested by telephone or email; however, please remember that all items are sold “as is.”
Payment, Buyer's Premium & Taxes
Shortly after the auction closes, you will receive an email notification and invoice with full payment instructions.
A 20% buyer’s premium and 13% HST are added to the purchase price (unless tax‑exempt).
All sales are in Canadian dollars.
Payment Options
Credit card on file: View your invoice and select “Pay Invoice.” Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Please note: credit card payments incur a 2% processing fee.
E‑transfer: Send payment to info@gardnergalleries.com and email us confirmation once sent.
In‑person payment: Cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, bank draft, or certified cheque during business hours.
Wire transfer: Recommended for higher‑value purchases or international clients.
Payment Deadline
Payment must be completed within 7 days of the auction closing. If payment is not received within this period, Gardner Galleries will charge the bidder's credit card on file. Accounts with unpaid balances beyond this timeframe may be blocked from future bidding, and items may be re‑sold.
Collection of Purchases and Shipping
Pick‑up is available at Gardner Galleries, 407 Hamilton Road, London, Ontario unless otherwise stated, and office hours are:
Monday–Friday: 8:30am–4:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am–12:00pm (noon hour)
Free parking and loading are available behind the building, and staff can assist with heavier items. Purchases must be collected within 7 days of the auction.
Shipping
For buyers outside London, Gardner Galleries can pack and ship small items (e.g., jewellery, small paintings) via Canada Post.
A minimum $20 + HST packing/handling fee applies.
Due to high volume, please allow up to two weeks for shipping.
Larger or more fragile items may incur higher packing costs; we recommend requesting a shipping quote in advance, especially for out‑of‑province buyers.
If you prefer to use your own shipping service, please notify us beforehand.
Gardner Galleries does not ship large items such as furniture but may assist with delivery arrangements between Windsor and Toronto. Contact us for a free estimate.
If items are paid for but not collected within 7 days, storage fees of $25/week + HST per item will apply. Failure to pay for and collect items within the required timeframe may result in account suspension and items being re‑sold or disposed of.
We kindly ask bidders to consider logistics when purchasing large items, as storage space is limited. While we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, we will always do our best to work with buyers to ensure their items are received.
