Frequently Asked Questions
On-Site Sales
Who will be appraising my items?
Frank Hall, who founded Hall's Appraisals Ltd in 1979 and is a charter member of the Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers. With almost 40 years of experience and having sold approximately 300,000 items during his auction career we believe he is the best man for the job. Frank can also preform a Probate valuation for Estate purposes.
What will we need to do on our end?
-
Determine which items are not to be sold including what items will be taken to beneficiaries. Hall's Appraisals can orgainize crating or shipping within North America or overseas.
-
Remove personal items that the family want retained and tidy up
-
Stand back - allow our staff to handle the sale process, advertising, promotion and determine if any items are unsold which charity should be the beneficiary, or what should be the next step.
-
Hall's will tidy up and complete accounting with statements within a week. All proceeds will go into our trust account and be paid out to executors or living beneficiaries/owners.
-
Storage if required for owners or beneficiaries can be arranged for short or long terms.
What happens after the sale if there are items remaining?
We will arrange for the complete dispersal of items after the sale. This includes arranging transport and sending of estate items to beneficiaries in both Canada and abroad. This also includes managing the donations of certain items to charities and storage for long or short term if needed.
Can you arrange payment to overseas beneficiaries?
Yes
Can you arrange probate valuation?
Yes
What time frame will I need between setting up my first meeting and the actual sale date?
Typically from start to finish we will need roughly three weeks to a month for the process.
Online Auctions
How do I register to bid?
To register follow the VIEW CATALOGUE link from our UPCOMING SALES page on our website to take you to our current sale catalogue, at the top of the page click on LOGIN/NEW BIDDER and complete the registration form.
Do I have to register again if I have already taken part in an auction?
No, if you have previously registered for our online sales you can use the same username and password to register for our current auction.
How do I place a bid on an item I like?
Once registered click on the “Place Bid” button located within each lot and enter your bid. Or place an absentee bid. To place an absentee bid, download the Absentee Bid Form from website, complete it, sign it and email the completed form to us at info@frankhallestatea.com. Please note all bids are contractually binding.
What is a Maximum bid?
You can use Maximum bid option when bidding on an item. This option allows the auction software to bid on your behalf and the system will automatically place a bid for you within the auction increments until you are the highest bidder, or your Maximum is reached. This allows you to set your maximum bid and let the software do the work for you. To set your maximum, click on “Place Bid” and enter your maximum bid amount. Please note all bids are contractually binding.
Can I Place and Absentee Bid?
If you are unable to take part in the online bidding you also have the option of placing an absentee bid. This will require you to download the attached link, fill out all required information and return to us via email at info@frankhallea.com. All absentee bids must be submitted by 6:00 pm on the final day of bidding.
When is the bidding over?
Our auctions use a “SOFT CLOSE” process beginning at the scheduled closing time, 8PM MST. The auction lots will close in a 15 second succession, meaning each lot will end 15 seconds after the preceding lot to allow you time to place final bids. There is a 2-minute extension where the lot will remain open after a bid is placed allowing for additional counter bids. The highest bid without any counter bid after 2 minutes, will be the winning bid.
How do I know if I was the highest bidder?
Once the bidding has closed on an item you will receive and email invoice to the email address on file with the list of items you have purchased.
Can I view items before I bid on them?
Yes, there are 2 preview days to allow you to view items in person. The previews are held at our showroom (5240 1A Street SE, Calgary), dates and times will be advertised in advance on our website and catalogue.
What are the bid increments?
Bid Price (Up to) ----------------Increments
0.00 - 95.00-------------------------5.00 CAD
95.01 - 190.00 --------------------10.00 CAD
190.01 - 280.00-------------------20.00 CAD
280.01 - 475.00-------------------25.00 CAD
475.01 - 2,500.00-----------------50.00 CAD
2,500.01 - 5,000.00-------------100.00 CAD
5,000.01 - 10,000.00------------250.00 CAD
10,000.01 - 97,500.00-----------500.00 CAD
97,500.01 - 9,999,999.99-----1,000.00 CAD
Do I need to refresh my web browser during bidding?
During the sale you will need to refresh your page. However once the sale approaches closing (approximately 7:45 PM MST) you will be able to “VIEW CATALOGUE LIVE” which displays the lots in closing order with UpToDate bids and a countdown clock. To view the catalogue live, click on the flashing “VIEW CATALOGUE LIVE” button on the main catalogue page. If you are having problems getting to this page please call our office at 587-351-6878, we will assist you. Please note that slow internet connections will impact your viewing and bidding.
How can I pay for my items?
We accept payment by E-Transfer, Cheque, VISA, and MasterCard. SAVE 4% IF YOU PAY BY E-TRANSFER OR CHEQUE. All purchases must be paid in full before removal from auction premises.
Is there a buyers premium?
Yes, there is a 19% buyer's premium (reduced to 15% if you pay by e-transfer or cheque). The buyer’s premium is added to the bid price, plus GST.
Where do I pick up items?
All purchases need to be picked up directly following the sale, Monday to Wednesday: Noon to 5pm. Located at our showroom at 5240 1A Street S.E. and must be paid for in full.
Do you offer refunds?
No, we do not offer refunds as everything is sold “AS IS” and we do our best to provide detailed descriptions, condition reports and photos, as well as preview days to allow you to inspect items.
What if I can’t make it during the scheduled pick up hours?
If you need to schedule an alternate pickup time, please call our office at 587-351-6878 we will do
our best to accommodate you. Any items left unclaimed after 3 business days following the end of
the sale will be charged a $25/invoice per business day as outlined in our terms and
conditions.
Will you ship items to me?
Yes. We can ship through common currier at your request. All shipping charges plus a $20.00
packing materials and labour fee will be the responsibility of the buyer and if you require special
shipping beyond common currier you will have to notify our office within 48 hours of purchase.
How do I put items up for auction?
We are currently accepting consignments, please contact our office to discuss our consignment
process and sales and arrange drop offs or movers.
Please contact us by phone at 587-351-6878 or email info@frankhallea.com.
How can I contact to have my items moved?
Please check out the resources page under services on our website for a list of movers our clients have used in the past as well as additional information on framing, furniture restoration etc.