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Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers listed below are commonly asked questions from users about the Alberta Online Auction.

Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Alberta Online Auction is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our locations in Edmonton and Calgary are open from 8:15-4:30 weekdays except statutory holidays.
Q: Is there any cost to register?
A: Registration is free; anyone with a valid email address can register and bid from any computer.
Q: Are there any additional charges for my purchase?
A: There are no buyer’s fees or other charges; all you pay is your high bid and applicable taxes plus any shipping costs.
Q: What is Max Bid and how does it work?
A: Max Bid is an automatic bidding system. You enter the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for an item, and the system will automatically place the lowest possible bid needed to keep you in the lead by a $1 dollar increment. It only increases your bid when another bidder competes, and only up to the maximum amount you set.
Q: Is my Max Bid amount visible to other bidders?
A: No. Your Max Bid is completely confidential. Other bidders only see the current leading bid, not the maximum amount you’ve entered.
Q: What happens if someone bids more than my Max Bid?
A: If another bidder places a bid $1 higher than your maximum amount, you’ll be outbid and notified (if you have indicated that you would like to be notified when you placed your Max Bid). You can then decide whether to increase your Max Bid or let the item go.
Q: What if two bidders enter the same Max Bid?
A: If two identical bids exist at the time of closing, the winning bid goes to the bidder who placed that amount first.
Q: Can I increase or decrease my Max Bid?
A: If there is time left in the auction, then yes, you can increase or decrease your bid as long as you are not decreasing your bid amount below the current bid amount. A placed bid is set in the system.
Q: Can I cancel my Max Bid?
A: You can cancel any automatic bidding by the system by logging into your account and selecting the auction. You can then edit your bid or select "Cancel Max Bid", and acknowledging this action. Any bids placed under your user name must remain, but no further bids will be placed.
Q: How do I pay for an item I won?
A: Payment is done by Visa, Master Card or American Express through our secure online checkout. Unless otherwise indicated payment is due within 3 days of auction end.
Q: I have paid for my item, now what?
A: If “Pre-arranged Shipping” is available for the item the cost will be provided in the item listing. We will ship within 2 business days of receiving payment for these items. Shipping is done through Canada Post’s Expedited Parcel service and will require a signature at the receiving end. “Arranged Shipping” may be available for some items where the cost cannot be determined until we know the destination of the items. We will advise you of the shipping costs prior to paying for the item and you can choose whether you want us to provide shipping or not at the checkout. If you choose to have us ship the items, we will ship within 3 business days of receiving payment for these items. Where No Shipping is available, packaging and shipping of the items and all associated costs are the responsibility of the buyer. These types of items must be removed within 5 days of auction end.
Q: What if I changed my mind on an auction I have won, can I backout of this agreement?
A: Once you place a bid you are entering into an agreement to purchase the item if you win. By defaulting on this agreement, you are misusing the system and may have your bidding privileges restricted or revoked.
Q: Can I return an item purchased on Alberta Online Auction?
A: As with any of our sales, there are no returns. All items are sold “as is, where is” with no warranties expressed or implied. Please refer to the Alberta Online Auctions Terms and Conditions of UseTerms and Conditions of Use
Q: Can I pick up my item to save on shipping?
A: Yes, at the time of checkout you can choose to pick up the item and we will issue the receipt without shipping costs. Payment must still be processed through the online checkout using a credit card to avoid delays in pick up.