Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do your auctions work?
A: Our auctions are hosted online via HiBid Ontario. Browse, bid, and win from the comfort of your home! Simply register, place your bids, and pick up your items if you win.

Q: Do I need to register to bid?
A: Yes. You must register and provide a valid credit card through HiBid before bidding. This ensures fair and secure auctions for everyone.

Q: How do I know if I’ve won an item?
A: You will receive an email notification shortly after the auction ends. You can also log in to HiBid and check your bidder dashboard.

Q: Are all items brand new? 

A:  No. Auction Republic sells a mix of new, open box, used, and liquidation merchandise. The condition is clearly marked using our Item Condition Categories. Please read the full description before placing a bid. 

Q: What do the condition categories mean? 

A:  You can find full definitions of terms like “New – Open Box,” “Used – Fair,” or “For Parts Only” in our Terms & Conditions under “Item Condition Categories.” These help set expectations and describe how complete or functional each item is. 

Q: Why is the box damaged or missing? 

A: Many items come from liquidation, returns, or overstock inventory. Boxes may be torn, dented, missing labels, or completely absent. What matters is the item itself — not the packaging. Packaging condition is not considered grounds for return. 

Q: How do I pay for my items?
A: Payments are automatically processed using the credit card you registered with on HiBid after the auction ends.

Q: What if my payment doesn’t go through?
A: It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure successful payment. If your payment declines, please contact us at payment@auctionrepublic.ca immediately to arrange alternative payment within 24 hours.

Q: Are there any extra fees?
A: Yes. A 15% buyer’s premium and a $1 handling fee per item apply. Taxes (13% HST) are added at checkout. 

Q: Do you offer shipping?

A: At this time, we do not offer shipping. All items must be picked up in person at our warehouse in Mississauga, Ontario.

Q: When can I pick up my items?
A: Pickup is by appointment only. A link to schedule your pickup appointment will be included with your invoice after the auction closes.

Q: Can I test the item at pickup? 

A: Yes. We provide a designated testing station for most electronics and tools. You are strongly encouraged to inspect and test items at pickup. Once you accept the item and leave the counter, it is considered final. 

Q: When can I pick up my items?

A: Pickup details (dates and times) are listed in each auction’s description. Typically, pickup is scheduled for 5 days after the auction ends.

Q: What happens if I miss the pickup window?

A:  Items not picked up during the scheduled window — and without an approved alternate plan — will be deemed abandoned and forfeited without refund. A $25 restocking fee per lot applies. We do not allow walk-ins and late pickups may be turned away. 

Q: Can I return an item if I’m not satisfied?
A:  No. All sales are final. Items are sold strictly “As-Is, Where-Is” with no refunds, returns, exchanges, or store credit—regardless of condition, functionality, or buyer expectations.

Even if the item differs from your expectations or is damaged, you accept full responsibility once it leaves our pickup/testing counter.

We only accept claims before departure and only if the item is significantly and materially different from its written description — not based on opinions, assumptions, or minor variations.
If a claim is approved, it will be resolved as in-house auction credit only, never as a refund.

Items marked as "Untested", "As-Is", or "For Parts Only" are not eligible for return or credit under any circumstances.

Q: What if the item is damaged or missing parts?
A:  Many items may include damaged packaging, missing parts, cosmetic wear, or signs of use — especially in liquidation or return merchandise. These are common and expected, and typically reflected in our Item Condition Categories.

Buyers are responsible for inspecting their items at pickup. If you choose not to inspect, you accept the item as-is.

If you believe your item is materially different from the listing, you must raise the issue before leaving the pickup area.
Once you leave, no claims will be accepted.

Q: What does "As-Is, Where-Is" mean? 

A:   It means the item is sold exactly as shown and described — with no guarantees about its function, completeness, or condition. We do not test or inspect every item unless stated. You are responsible for reviewing photos, descriptions, and inspecting items at pickup. No returns, refunds, or credits will be provided for any reason after pickup. 

Q: What if the item doesn’t work at home? 

A:  If you take the item home and discover it doesn’t function, is incomplete, or is otherwise unsatisfactory — unfortunately, no return or refund will be offered. All items must be inspected before you leave the premises. No exceptions will be made. 

Q: Can I cancel a bid?
A: No. All bids are binding. Please bid responsibly.

Q: What happens if my credit card is declined and I received an UNPAID invoice?
A: All invoices are sent to winning bidders within 24 hours after auction ends, credit card on file used at registration will be billed automatically. If you receive an UNPAID invoice, it is the bidders responsibility to contact us at billing@auctionrepublic.ca to settle this invoice before picking up, we do not accept payment in-house. will be reported to HiBid, may be permanently banned, and may be charged a restocking fee of $100.