TERMS & CONDITIONS

Effective Date: 2026 | sterlingauctions.ca
Governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada

This document contains two separate and independent sets of Terms & Conditions. The Website Terms & Conditions govern fixed-price purchases made directly on sterlingauctions.ca. The Auction Terms & Conditions govern live auction purchases made through HiBid.com. These are two distinct purchasing relationships with different rules, fees, and policies. Please read the section that applies to your purchase carefully — or both if you shop with us in both ways.

WTC 1. Eligibility

By placing an order on our website, you confirm that:

  • You are at least 18 years of age.
  • You are a resident of Canada.
  • You have the legal authority to enter into a binding purchase agreement.
  • All information you provide to us is accurate and current.

We reserve the right to refuse service or cancel orders if these conditions are not met.

WTC 2. Products & Listings

Sterling Auctions sells returned, overstock, undelivered, and brand-new merchandise sourced from retailers and distributors, across categories including electronics, clothing, appliances, home goods, tools, and more.

Please note:

  • Product listings on sterlingauctions.ca are invitations to purchase, not binding offers to sell. A binding agreement is formed only when we confirm shipment of your order.
  • We make every effort to accurately describe each product and its condition. Where items are customer returns or may have cosmetic imperfections, this will be noted in the listing.
  • If there is any discrepancy between a written description and accompanying photos, the photos take precedence.
  • Inventory is limited and subject to availability. We cannot guarantee an item will remain in stock after you view a listing.

WTC 3. Pricing & Taxes

All prices on sterlingauctions.ca are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

  • Prices do not include applicable taxes (HST) unless explicitly stated. Taxes will be calculated and shown at checkout.
  • Prices do not include shipping and handling fees, which will be displayed at checkout based on your delivery location.
  • The price charged for your order will be the price displayed at the time you complete your purchase.
  • Prices may change without notice. Once your payment is confirmed, however, your price will not change.

WTC 4. Errors & Corrections

Despite our best efforts, listings may occasionally contain typographical errors, incorrect pricing, or inaccurate descriptions. Sterling Auctions reserves the right to:

  • Correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions on our website at any time without prior notice.
  • Cancel or decline any order — including a confirmed or paid order — placed based on an erroneous listing.

If your order is cancelled due to a listing error and payment has already been processed, we will issue a full refund promptly and notify you by email.

WTC 5. Order Acceptance & Confirmation

Submitting an order does not guarantee it will be accepted. Here is how the process works:

  • After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms we received your request — it is not an acceptance of your order.
  • Your order is formally accepted only when we send you a shipping confirmation email.
  • We reserve the right to decline any order at any time, including due to product unavailability, pricing errors, suspected fraud, or payment issues.
  • We may request identity or payment verification before processing your order. Failure to provide the requested information may result in cancellation.

If we cannot fulfil your order, we will notify you by email and issue a full refund where payment has been collected.

WTC 6. Payment

All payments for fixed-price purchases must be made at the time of checkout.

Accepted payment methods:

  • Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • Debit Card
  • PayPal
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Interac e-Transfer
  • A 2% credit card processing fee applies to all credit and debit card transactions, displayed at checkout.
  • Interac e-Transfer payments must be received and confirmed before your order is processed and shipped.
  • Sterling Points credit may be applied at checkout toward eligible purchases, subject to Section WTC 9.
  • We do not accept payment by phone under any circumstances.

If a payment is declined or reversed fraudulently, we reserve the right to suspend your account and recover the outstanding amount, including through referral to a collections agency if necessary.

WTC 7. Shipping & Delivery

Delivery areas & costs:

  • Free delivery is available within the London, Ontario area for a limited time.
  • For deliveries outside London, shipping costs are calculated based on distance and displayed at checkout.

Delivery timeframes:

  • Delivery dates are estimates only. We do not guarantee specific delivery dates or times.
  • Tracking information will be provided once your order has shipped, where available.

Delivery risk:

  • Since all deliveries are handled directly by Sterling Auctions, risk of loss or damage passes to you once the item has been delivered to the address provided at checkout — regardless of whether you were present at the time of delivery.
  • If you were unavailable at the time of delivery and the item was left at your front door, porch, or another location as specified in your delivery instructions, the delivery is considered complete and risk passes to you at that point.
  • If you provide special delivery instructions (e.g., leave at side door, leave with neighbour), Sterling Auctions will follow those instructions and delivery will be considered complete once the item is placed as directed. Sterling Auctions is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage that occurs after delivery has been completed.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure your delivery address and any special instructions are accurate and complete. Sterling Auctions is not liable for losses resulting from incorrect or incomplete delivery information provided by you.

Undeliverable items:

  • If an item is returned to us due to an incorrect address you provided, re-delivery will be at your expense. Items that cannot be re-delivered will not be refunded.

 

WTC 8. Returns, Refunds & Warranty

Return Policy — 14 Days

Fixed-price purchases on sterlingauctions.ca are eligible for a 14-day return policy, starting from the date of delivery.

To be eligible for a return:

  • The product must be in the same condition as when it was purchased, including all accessories, manuals, and original packaging (if applicable).
  • Your return request must be submitted within 14 days of the delivery date.
  • If you encounter any functional issues within the 14-day return period that were not described in the listing or shown in the photos, you may request a return only. Functional issues that were disclosed in the listing description or visible in the photos at the time of purchase are not eligible for return.

Returns will not be accepted if:

  • The product has been used, damaged, or altered after delivery.
  • Accessories, manuals, or original packaging are missing.
  • The return request is submitted more than 14 days after delivery.
  • The issue involves cosmetic imperfections that do not affect the product's functionality. Cosmetic imperfections are not eligible for return.

Return Shipping

Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs. Sterling Auctions does not cover the cost of returning items.

Warranty — Electronics & Small Appliances

Sterling Auctions offers a 14-day warranty on all electronics and small appliances purchased on sterlingauctions.ca. The warranty period starts from the date of delivery.

Warranty Coverage:

  • The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the 14-day warranty period.
  • If a covered defect is identified within the warranty period, we will offer a refund at our discretion.

The warranty does not cover:

  • Damage caused by misuse, accidents, drops, liquid damage, or unauthorized modifications.
  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Cosmetic imperfections that do not affect the product's functionality.
  • Any functional issue or defect that was described in the listing or visible in the photos at the time of purchase. Items purchased with known issues as disclosed in the listing are not eligible for warranty claims.
  • Any item that has been taken to a third-party repair company or subjected to self-initiated repair attempts without prior written consent from Sterling Auctions. Self-initiated remedies void the warranty entirely.

Manufacturer's Warranty Disclaimer:

Sterling Auctions is not an authorized reseller of goods. As a result, manufacturer's warranties do not apply to any items sold on sterlingauctions.ca, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the product listing. Our 14-day warranty described above is the only warranty offered.

Serial Numbers: Sterling Auctions records the serial numbers of all applicable items at the time of listing. Any attempt to return an item with a different serial number than the one recorded at purchase will be refused and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

To initiate a return or warranty claim, email support@sterlingauctions.ca with your order number and a description of the issue. We respond within 2 business days. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–10 business days.

Please refer to our full Return Policy at sterlingauctions.ca for complete details.

WTC 9. Sterling Points — Website Purchases

  • Earn 1 Sterling Point for every $1 (CAD) spent on fixed-price purchases.
  • Points are credited after your order is confirmed and shipped.
  • Redemption starts at 1,000 points = $10 store credit toward future purchases on sterlingauctions.ca.
  • Points expire if the account has been inactive — no points earned or redeemed — for 12 months.
  • Sterling Points have no cash value and cannot be applied to shipping fees or taxes.
  • Sterling Auctions reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the program at any time with reasonable advance notice.

WTC 10. Limitation of Liability

Sterling Auctions' total liability for any claim arising from a website purchase is limited to the purchase price paid for the item. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, or for delays or losses caused by circumstances beyond our control, including theft or damage occurring after delivery has been completed.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any liability that cannot be excluded under Ontario or Canadian consumer protection law.

WTC 11. Governing Law

The Website Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Ontario and applicable federal Canadian law, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 and PIPEDA. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ontario courts.

WTC 12. Contact — Website Purchases

  • Email: support@sterlingauctions.ca
  • Privacy: privacy@sterlingauctions.ca
  • Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Website: sterlingauctions.ca/contact

ATC 1. Eligibility & Registration

To participate in Sterling Auctions' live auctions on HiBid.com, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Register on HiBid.com using your own valid credit card. Accounts created with another person's card will be deactivated immediately.

  • Provide accurate personal and payment information at the time of registration.

You are solely responsible for all activity under your account, including purchases made by family members, employees, or anyone else using your login. No exceptions.

ATC 2. Products & Listings

  • All auction items are sourced from returned, overstock, undelivered, and new merchandise across electronics, clothing, appliances, home goods, tools, automotive, toys, pet accessories, furniture, and general merchandise.

  • Photos and descriptions are provided in good faith. If there is any discrepancy between the description and photos, the photos take precedence.

  • Please review all photos and descriptions carefully before bidding. All bids are final and binding once placed.

  • Items are sold "As Is, Where Is" with no warranties or guarantees unless explicitly stated in the listing.

ATC 3. Bidding Rules

All bids are final and binding:

  • Bids cannot be canceled or withdrawn once placed.

  • By placing a bid, you are entering into a binding obligation to purchase at that price if you win.

Soft Close System:

  • Any bid placed within the final 60 seconds of an auction extends the closing time by 2 minutes.

  • This repeats until no further bids are placed in the final 60-second window, ensuring fair bidding for all.

Quantity Lots:

  • When bidding on lots with a quantity greater than one, multiples apply automatically.

  • Example: a $10 bid on a lot of 4 items = a total purchase of $40, plus all applicable fees and taxes.

  • Always check the lot quantity carefully before bidding.

ATC 4. Fees & Charges

All successful auction bids are subject to the following non-negotiable fees:

  • 16% Buyer's Premium (applied to the hammer price)

  • Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

  • $1.50 handling fee per item

  • 2% credit card processing fee

All fees will be clearly itemized on your invoice. By registering and bidding, you acknowledge and accept these charges.

ATC 5. Payment

  • Payment is processed automatically to the credit card on file after the auction closes.

  • If payment is not received by the invoice deadline, you authorize Sterling Auctions to charge the card on file for the full invoice amount including the 2% processing fee.

  • We do not accept payment by phone under any circumstances.

  • Fraudulent credit card chargebacks will result in immediate account suspension and referral of the full outstanding balance to a collections agency, which may negatively impact your credit score.

ATC 6. Shipping & Delivery

How to request shipping:

  • All shipping is handled exclusively by Sterling Auctions — not through HiBid.com directly.

  • You must submit your shipping request through sterlingauctions.ca using the invoice details from your invoice email, within 3 calendar days of the auction closing date.

  • Items not submitted for shipping within this deadline will be considered abandoned, with no refund or credit issued.

Delivery areas & costs:

  • Free delivery within the London, Ontario area for a limited time.

  • Outside London: shipping costs are calculated by distance and charged to the card on file, including the 2% processing fee.

Important:

  • Items will not be released until full payment is received.

  • In-person pickup is not currently available. All orders must be fulfilled through our delivery service.

  • Delivery dates are estimates only. Sterling Auctions does not guarantee specific delivery dates or times.

ATC 7. Returns & Item Condition

  • All auction items are sold "As Is, Where Is" with no warranties or guarantees unless explicitly stated.

  • You may be eligible for a return if:

    • The item is materially different from what was described in the listing — a clear error on our part.

    • The return request is submitted within 7 days of the delivery date.

    • The item is unused and in the same condition as received.

  • Returns will not be accepted if:

    • The item's condition or defects were visible in photos or stated in the description at time of bidding.

    • The return request is submitted more than 7 days after delivery.

    • The item has been used, altered, or damaged after delivery.

Manufacturer's Warranty Disclaimer:

  • Sterling Auctions is not an authorized reseller of goods. As a result, manufacturer's warranties do not apply to any auction items, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the listing.

  • All auction items are sold as is with no additional warranty coverage beyond the return eligibility described above.

Serial Numbers:

  • Sterling Auctions records the serial numbers of all applicable items at the time of listing.

  • Any attempt to return an item with a different serial number than the one recorded at purchase will be refused and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

To initiate a return, email support@sterlingauctions.ca with your invoice number and a description of the issue. We respond within 2 business days.

ATC 8. Sterling Points — Auction Purchases

To earn Sterling Points on HiBid.com auction wins, both of the following steps must be completed:

  • Submit your shipping request through sterlingauctions.ca using your invoice details after each win. This links your purchase to your Sterling Auctions account.

  • Save your HiBid bidder number in your Sterling Auctions account profile at sterlingauctions.ca. This is required to link your auction activity and calculate your points.

  • Points will not be credited without both steps being completed. Contact support@sterlingauctions.ca for help linking your bidder number.

  • Earn 1 Sterling Point for every $1 (CAD) spent on qualifying auction purchases.

  • Buyer's premium, HST, and handling fees may not be included in point calculations.

  • Redemption starts at 1,000 points = $10 store credit toward future purchases on sterlingauctions.ca only.

  • Points expire if the account has been inactive — no points earned or redeemed — for 12 months.

  • Sterling Points have no cash value and cannot be used for auction purchases on HiBid.com.

  • Sterling Auctions reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the program at any time with reasonable advance notice.

ATC 9. Account Use & Security

  • All bidders must register using their own credit card. Accounts using another person's card will be deactivated.

  • You are solely responsible for all activity under your account, including purchases by others using your login.

  • Sterling Auctions may require photo ID and credit card verification at delivery to prevent fraud.

  • Do not share your HiBid account credentials with anyone.

ATC 10. Limitation of Liability

  • Sterling Auctions' total liability for any claim arising from an auction purchase is limited to the purchase price paid for the item.

  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, injuries on buyer's premises, or delivery delays beyond our control.

  • Nothing in these Terms limits liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any liability that cannot be excluded under Ontario or Canadian law.

ATC 11. Governing Law

  • The Auction Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and applicable federal Canadian law.

  • By participating in any Sterling Auctions auction, you agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ontario courts for any legal matters arising from your participation.

ATC 12. Contact — Auction Purchases

  • Email: support@sterlingauctions.ca

  • Privacy: privacy@sterlingauctions.ca

  • Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Website: sterlingauctions.ca/contact