Terms and Conditions: AUCTION UNIVERSE — TERMS & CONDITIONS
(Effective as of March 2026)
Welcome to Auction Universe.
By registering and bidding in any Auction Universe sale hosted on the HiBid platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) between you (“the Buyer”) and Auction Universe.
1. Definitions
“Buyer” means any registered bidder or participant placing bids in an Auction Universe sale.
“Auction Universe” includes its owners, affiliates, staff, and authorized representatives.
“HiBid” refers to the online auction platform used to host sales.
2. Registration & Eligibility
2.1 Eligibility – All bidders must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
2.2 Credit Card Requirement – A valid credit card is required to register and bid. By registering, you authorize Auction Universe to charge your card for:
Hammer price (winning bid amounts) + 15% Buyer’s Premium ON Hammer Price + $1.50 Handling Fee per lot
Plus
13% Ontario HST of Hammer price (winning bid amounts) + 15% Buyer’s Premium ON Hammer Price + $1.50 Handling Fee per lot
Example: if Hammer Price(Winning Bid amount) is $100; the final charge will be $100+(15% Buyer Premium)$15+$1.50 Handling Charge per Lot+(13% Tax)$15.14=$131.645
Storage or disposal fees (if applicable)
A small pre-authorization (e.g., $1.00) may be placed to verify validity. The billing address must match the credit card address.
2.3 Bidder Approval – Auction Universe reserves the right to approve, restrict, suspend, or revoke bidding privileges at its sole discretion without prior notice.
3. Buyer’s Premium, Fees & Taxes
All winning bids are subject to a 15% Buyer’s Premium, a $1.50 Handling Fee per lot, and 13% Ontario HST.
All fees are final, non-negotiable, and non-refundable.
4. Bidding Rules
4.1 All bids are final and legally binding. No bid retractions, cancellations, or “buyer’s remorse” are permitted.
4.2 HiBid’s soft close feature applies: any bid placed within the final seconds extends that lot’s closing time.
4.3 System & Platform Liability – Auction Universe is not liable for technical failures, internet disruptions, or third-party platform errors that affect bidding. Buyers assume all risks related to online participation.
4.4 Auction Universe reserves the right to correct clerical errors, reopen bidding, or cancel affected lots when necessary.
5. Payment Terms
5.1 Automatic Billing – Credit cards on file will be automatically charged within twenty-four (24) hours after the auction concludes, unless prior written arrangements are made with Auction Universe.
5.2 Payment Failures – If a payment is declined, the Buyer must immediately provide a valid replacement method. Failure to do so may result in suspension of bidding privileges, referral to collections, and/or account termination.
6. Liquidation Merchandise Disclaimer
6.1 Auctions may include liquidation merchandise such as returns, shelf pulls, overstock, or used/open-box items.
6.2 Items may not include accessories, manuals, or original packaging and are not guaranteed to be functional. Statements like “powers on” indicate limited testing only.
6.3 All goods are sold “AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH ALL FAULTS,” to the fullest extent permitted by law. No representations or warranties are made regarding merchantability, fitness, or performance.
7. No Warranties
Auction Universe provides no express or implied warranties, including those of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or accuracy of description. No representations beyond the listing text and images shall apply.
8. Item Descriptions & Condition
8.1 Descriptions and photos are provided in good faith.
8.2 Photos may be stock or actual images.
8.3 Buyers are responsible for reviewing all details before bidding.
Failure to review listing details does not void a sale or create eligibility for refund.
9. Pickup & Identification
9.1 Pickup Location
705 Progress Avenue, Unit 32
Scarborough, ON M1H 2X1, Canada
9.2 Identification – Government-issued photo ID may be required at pickup.
9.3 Buyers must collect items within posted pickup hours and bring suitable help, tools, and vehicles.
10. Pickup Deadlines, Storage & Abandonment
10.1 Items must be collected within seven (7) calendar days of auction close.
10.2 Requests for extended storage must be emailed to info@universalsolution.ca before the pickup deadline; storage fees may apply.
10.3 Items not collected by the deadline will be deemed abandoned and may be resold, donated, or disposed of without further notice or liability to the Buyer, and without refund.
11. Third-Party Pickups
Authorized representatives must present valid photo ID and written authorization from the registered Buyer. Once released, responsibility and ownership transfer fully to the Buyer.
12. Loading & On-Site Liability
Buyers are responsible for loading and transporting purchases safely.
Auction Universe and its staff are not liable for accidents, injuries, or property damage occurring during pickup or loading. Any assistance provided is at the Buyer’s sole risk.
13. Fraud & Verification
Auction Universe may photograph or record serial numbers and may use video surveillance for verification.
Returned items not matching the original sold goods will be treated as fraudulent and may lead to investigation or legal action.
14. Transfer of Ownership
Ownership transfers to the Buyer once full payment is processed.
Risk of loss or damage transfers once the item is picked up or released to an authorized representative.
15. Chargebacks & Account Disputes
Buyers must contact info@universalsolution.ca to resolve any disputes before initiating a chargeback.
Improper or invalid chargebacks may result in account suspension, collection actions, and recovery of administrative and legal fees.
16. Limitation of Liability
16.1 Auction Universe’s total liability shall not exceed the purchase price paid for the disputed item.
16.2 Under no circumstances shall Auction Universe be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses, including manufacturer defects or business interruption.
16.3 Cumulative Limitation – The combined liability for all claims, regardless of theory, shall not exceed the total amount paid for the affected lot(s).
17. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable under Ontario law, the remaining terms shall remain in full force and effect.
18. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.
All disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Ontario.
19. Right to Refuse Service
Auction Universe reserves the right to refuse service or cancel any transaction at its discretion, subject to applicable law.
20. Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with any published auction policies or notices, constitute the entire agreement between the Buyer and Auction Universe and supersede all prior understandings, representations, or communications.
21. Acknowledgment
By registering and bidding, you confirm that you:
Accept the 15% Buyer’s Premium and $1.50 Handling Fee per lot.
Authorize automatic credit card billing.
Understand all AS-IS, pickup, and abandonment policies.
Agree to these Terms, governed under Ontario law.
Bid responsibly and thank you for choosing Auction Universe.
?? Contact: info@universalsolution.ca