Buyer FAQ
Q: How do I register to bid with Grand Forks Auction House?
The Grand Forks Auction House bidding platform can be accessed online using both desktop computers and mobile devices. The icollector site is an auction hub that connects our auctions to bidders both local and all over Canada. To access the bidding platform from a desktop computer or laptop, please click here. Registration on the icollector bidding platform is very simple. Once you are in our bidding platform, click either the “create account” or “sign in” buttons. Fill in the required information and make sure you click the "receive bidding notifications via email/text" box, then click "continue". Agree to the terms and conditions and click "sign up". That's it! Once you have an account with us you can click on the "register to bid" button on any of our auctions.
Q: How do I bid on items in a current auction?
Click on the View/Register button located in our Current Auctions section, which will take you to our bidding platform. If an auction is open for bidding, you will see a Start Bidding button, which you may click to view all items up for sale. Beside each item there will be a Bid Now button and a price for the next highest bid. If you click that button, you will be agreeing to bid that price for the item. Alternatively, if you click the link below that button labeled Enter Maximum Bid, you will be prompted to enter the highest bid you are willing to pay for that item. Our system will bid automatically for you up to that maximum.
Q: How do I pay for my items?
If you are the successful bidder on an item, you will be notified via email to the email account you registered with. After conclusion of the sale, you will also be emailed an invoice that will include the purchase price of your items, buyer's premium and applicable taxes. You will have the option of paying that invoice using e-transfer, or cash. Payments must be made according to the terms and conditions for each auction.
Q: Does Grand Forks Auction House provide shipping?
We provide in-house shipping solutions using Canada Post or Purolator. Actual costs are billed to the winner plus a boxing fee per standard box (see individual auction details for what boxing fee may apply). We endeavour to pack as efficiently as possible to save on costs. If larger items, exceeding Canada Post standard shipping limits, are needing to be shipped, it is the responsibility of the bidder to make those arrangements. If Canada Post is on strike, or if dangerous good are to be shipped, we will use Purolator.
Q: What is a buyer's premium?
A buyer's premium is an additional percentage charged to customers on the hammer price (winning bid). We charge this to cover administrative expenses incurred in the course of conducting and auction, including but not limited to: advertising expenses, bidding platform fees, payment processing fees, additional staffing expenses, etc. Please factor the buyer's premium into your bidding.
Q: Where is Grand Forks Auction House located?
Grand Forks Auction House is located at 981 Central Avenue in Grand Forks BC, Pickup is at the back of the building with access through the alley.
Seller FAQ
Q: What Items do you accept at Grand Forks Auction House?
We work closely with our clients to review items and determine which pieces are suited for each auction. We typically group items into one of our auction categories. We can work with you to determine if it makes sense to hold your items for our next round of specialty auctions, or add them to the more regular multi-consignor auctions.
Multi consignor - Everyday items common and rare (best suited for consigning a small number of items)
Antiques and collectibles - Including china, fine art, antique items, jewelry etc.
Equipment and Tools - May include cars, trucks, as well as commercial and household tools.
Firearms & Outdoor - Typically an annual or semi-annual; include firearms, ammunition, and other outdoor gear.
Specialty auctions such as Estate, foreclosure, liquidation - This may be the best option for a large number of items. We can either bring items to our storage facilities, or leave items on site and organize on-site pickup at the conclusion of the auction.
Q: What is your selling cost?
We charge a selling commission on each item to cover administrative expenses incurred in the course of conducting and auction, including but not limited to: advertising expenses, bidding platform fees, payment processing fees, additional staffing expenses, etc.
Our bidding premium standard is set at 20% on most common items (similar to or less than E-bay), but our premiums are reduced for specialty items such as vehicles/equipment/fine art, or in specific cases such as on-site estate sales or with repeat customers.
Q: Do I need to price out items?
No, we will set a starting price at a minimum amount between $1-100 depending on the realizable price of the item. Our userbase of bidders is large enough through the iCollector bidding platform, and the local bidding market, that your items will sell for their real value based on condition, age, and other factors unique to that item!
Q: Can I set a reserve amount for an item?
Yes! You are free to set a reserve price on any item when completing your item intake form. The item will then start with the reserve as the minimum bid, and will not sell unless that reserve is met.
Q: What happens if my item does not sell?
In the event that any item does not receive any bids, or fails to mee the reserve bid amount, we can discuss whether it would be better to relist items in a future auction (for example seasonal items) or arranging for the items return. For any low value items that did not gain interest, you can choose to have us remove or donate the items.
Sell With Us
There are many situations that call for an auction. Some common circumstances include: farm auctions, business dispersals, hail damage, bankruptcies, receiverships, divorce, partnership dissolution, and more. At Grand Forks Auction House, we know that every circumstance is unique and thus calls for a customized solution. Let us know about your situation by calling the number below and we'll discuss how we can help.
Give us a call 250-584-4399
Past Results
At Grand Forks Auction House, we value complete transparency when it comes to our auction results. You deserve to know exactly what we sold, when we sold it, and for how much. That is why we publish all our auction results on our bidding platform. While on our bidding platform, simply click the 'View Auctioneer's Completed Auctions” link at the bottom of the page and you will see all of our recent past sales. Click on any sale and all the assets in that sale will be listed, complete with the high bid (selling price).