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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to help you register, bid, pay, ship, and pick up with confidence.

How does it work? -

mcdougallauction.com is an online auction platform. After you register, you can bid on listed items any time, from anywhere.

How do I register? +

Steps to create an account:

  • Go to mcdougallauction.com and click Create Account at the top right.
  • Choose Account Type: Individual or Business.
  • Pick a Username. Avoid personal info. This name is visible when you bid.
  • Create a strong Password. Use numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • Enter your Email. This is where confirmations and invoices are sent.
  • Add a Credit Card for a secure 1 dollar verification. Then you can bid.
We collect this information to ensure all bidders are real and verifiable. This protects auction integrity.

Need help registering? Call 1-800-263-4193

How do I bid online? +
  • Browse the Auctions page and click Details to view lots.
  • Use the Search bar and Categories at the top to narrow results.
  • Open a lot Details page to see photos, description, and bidding options.
  • Enter your amount next to Place Bid. Follow the posted bid increments. Do not add a dollar sign or commas.
Highest bid when the timer hits zero wins, subject to reserve status. Many items have a 15 percent buyers fee up to a stated maximum. Plan your budget accordingly.
What does "Reserve not Met" mean? +

A reserve is the sellers minimum price for an automatic sale. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the seller may accept the high bid, negotiate, relist, or withdraw the item. The reserve amount is not shown to avoid influencing bidding.

What does "Unreserved" mean? +

Unreserved items sell for the final bid amount. This also applies to items marked Reserve Lifted.

What does "Times the Bid Price" mean? +

Some lots require you to take multiple identical items at the bid price times the quantity.

Example: Must take 4 times the bid price at 15 dollars means 60 dollars total plus any applicable fees.
What are your hours of operation? +

For the most accurate and up-to-date hours of operation for all our locations, please visit our Location Page.

Please note that some locations may be open by appointment only. Additionally, specific viewing days for individual auctions are listed on each auction's page for that location.

Can I retract a bid? +
Important: Regular bids cannot be cancelled once placed.
  • If you placed a Max Bid, you can lower it to 0 dollars while you are still the high bidder.
  • Once you have been outbid, you are no longer obligated.

Double check your amount before clicking Place Bid.

When can I view items? +
We STRONGLY recommend in person inspection before bidding.

  • Items at McDougall locations can be viewed during standard hours.
  • Offsite items list specific viewing times on the lot page.
  • When can I pick up my items +

    Winners receive pickup instructions on the invoice. Offsite items have set pickup times. Items at McDougall locations can be picked up during standard hours and must be collected within 5 business days. Late fees may apply.

    What is the bidding limit I can spend +
    • New customers start with a 10,000 dollar bid limit.
    • To increase, place a deposit of 10 percent of the additional amount on your Account page.
    • You can apply a deposit to invoices in the same currency on the Accounts page, or request a direct refund.
    • For help, contact Payments at 1-800-263-4193 or payments@mcdauction.com.
    I am the high bidder on a reserved item. What happens +

    A McDougall sales person will contact you to discuss your high bid within the allotted time.

    Why does the auction close time keep extending ten minutes +

    This is called a Soft Close. Each bid extends the closing time by 10 minutes from the last bid. The lot will close after a 10 minute period with no bids. This discourages last second sniping and is similar to a live auction where bidding continues until no one bids.

    What are my payment options +

    Website payments:

    • Visa or MasterCard on our website. Maximum online card payment is 2,500 dollars.
    • Convenience fee per online card payment: 2.4 percent for CAD or 3 percent for USD.

    Online banking:

    • Direct Deposit at Royal Bank or Wire Transfer to our account.
    • Add Mcdougall Auctioneers Ltd to your payee list in online banking.

    At our physical locations:

    • Interac or Debit Card, Cash, Bank Draft, Certified Company Cheque, Visa Credit Card, Master Credit Card, Visa Debit Card, McDougall Auction Gift Card.
    • No limit on credit card payments in person.
    Payments must be made in advance for items at offsite locations. See more details under How to Pay.
    What is the buyers premium +

    The buyers premium is a fee added to the winning bid. Standard buyers premium is 15 percent, with a 20 dollar minimum and a 2000 dollar maximum unless otherwise stated. The buyers premium is shown in the auction details and on each lot page.

    Can I get my items shipped? +

    Most items can be shipped, it is buyers responsibility to arange shipping or risk forfieting thier items and payment. For small items, please contact shipping@mcdauction.com

    How do I determine item condition accurately +

    We list visible defects in the lot description. We do not perform full inspections. We strongly recommend manual inspection before bidding. If you are unsure, you are not obligated to bid.

    Where are your office locations +

    McDougall Auctioneers Has Sales Locations in

  • Emerald Park, SK (Regina)
  • Saskatoon, SK
  • Brandon, MB
  • Headingley, MB (Winnipeg)
  • Etobicoke, ON (Toronto)
  • Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC (Montreal)
  • Alvarado, TX (South of Fort Worth)
  • What do I do if I forgot my username or password +
    • Password: use Forgot password on the sign in page, enter your username, answer your security question, then check your email for your current password.
    • Username: call 1-800-263-4193 and we will assist you.
    What is a Max Bid and how do I place one +

    Max Bid allows the system to bid for you up to your limit that you set personally.
    Example: If the current bid on an item is $6000 with $100 increments and you set a max of $10,000 you will continue to stay on as the high bidder until somone bids $10,100 If someone exceeds your max, auto bidding stops and you can decide whether to bid again.

    • On a lot page, enter an amount and click Place Bid.
    • On the confirmation screen, set Your max bid and confirm.
    Why am I blocked from bidding +
    • Outstanding invoices.
    • Repeated no shows for pickups.
    • Expired credit card on file.

    If you believe this is an error, call 1-800-263-4193 for assistance.

    Who do I call for assistance +

    Toll free: 1-800-263-4193

    • Saskatoon: 306-652-4334
    • Emerald Park: 306-757-1755
    • Manitoba: 204-895-7773
    • Alberta: