+ I have items I would like to sell

The firearm market is hotter than ever. Guns of all makes and models, antique and modern, are selling for record prices! Take advantage of the #1 Firearms Auction in Canada and let us go to work for you. We advertise throughout Canada and follow it with what is undeniably the strongest and most comprehensive marketing campaign in the business. Contact us at sales@switzersauction.com for more information. There is no obligation.

We are Canada’s largest firearms auction selling live at our auction hall in Bancroft Ontario while simultaneously selling online to all of North America and parts of Europe. We attract over 1,500,000 catalogue views and approximately 2500 live and online bidders. Our catalogue goes online 2 weeks before the live event and allows bidders to view the item description and extensive photographs, while providing the ability to “pre-bid” and place maximum bids in advance of the live sale. We also have online only sales for items such as ammunition, accessories, militaria, knives and hunting items. We do purchase entire collections, but typically take items for auction on consignment and charge a commission based on the selling price, this rate can vary depending on the value and volumn of your consignments. While we do not accept absolute reserves we do respect value. Once consigned items can not be withdrawn. Our advertising program and level of participation brings you fair market value. We are licensed firearms dealers and take care of all paperwork associated with restricted and prohibited transfers. We are located in Ontario and have employee’s located in Calgary and Edmonton Alberta. Consignments can be dropped off at the auction hall, shipped to us via courier or Canada Post, or arrangements made for packaging and pickup at your location (fees for this service can be determined once location, value and volume are known). Please note that A.T.T.’s are now required to deliver your firearms to the Post Office, Courier Depot or bring firearms to us in person, call 1-800-731-4000 and ask to be connected to your provincial C.F.O. to get an A.T.T. Payments cheques are mailed within 2 weeks following the sale. References are available upon request.

Consignors are not authorized to bid on their own items or have someone bid on their behalf. We reserve the right to withdraw any items or bids made by the offending consignor.

+ I HAVE HANDGUNS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SELL. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Handgun freeze (section 12.2 of the firearms Act) and your options going forward:

1. We offer a complete estate service and can provide alternatives for all firearms that an executor is responsible for. Please make us your first call. Do not call the Police for pickup or disposal!! Calling the police could result in no value being achieved for what may be a considerable asset.

2. We are licensed and able to export certain handguns, let us know what you have. We will be able to make recommendations and assist you.

3. If you have “family heirlooms” that you are not able to possess. We are licensed to de-activate them so that you can keep as mementos.

4. We may be able to make you a cash offer. Our business is licensed to possess prohibited and restricted handguns. We can transfer your firearms into our business inventory.

5. Please note that prohibited and restricted rifles are not affected by Bill C-21. We will still be able to sell these items at regular sales to customers, who are licensed to possess them. This includes: 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5 prohibited rifles as well as all restricted class rifles.

+ How can I participate in an auction?

Switzer’s Auction uses the services of ICollector to list items. Click HERE to see our available listings. NOTE: If you experience any problems while using the ICollector services please call 1-866-313-0123. Switzer’s Auction cannot fix web site problems with ICollector. You must contact them directly.

+ What can I purchase and how do I register without a P.A.L.?

Firearms, Ammunition, and Cartridge Magazine purchasers require a valid P.A.L. (Possession and Acquisition License). All restricted and prohibited firearms are registered with the Canadian Firearms Program and will be transferred to the purchaser following the completion of the sale and receipt of full payment. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to determine that they have the correct category of license for the intended purchase prior to bidding. You will require a P.A.L. for all Prohibited/Restricted/Non-Restricted category firearms. No P.A.L. is required for Antique category firearms. If you purchase a firearm that you do not have the required class licence to possess, we are licensed to perform de-activations. Prices to de-activate vary depending on the type and complexity of the work needed to be performed. We de-activate to the Canadian Firearms Technical Inspection standard.

If not bidding on ammunition, cartridge magazines, or firearms. Please enter 00000000 in the firearms field. This will let you bypass the firearms number request.

+ BILL C-21 received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023.

Click link for more details on the bill. [1]: https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-21/royal-assent

+ Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) required to purchase cartridge magazines.

Authorization to transfer a cartridge magazine to individual (subsection 25(1) of the firearms Act). An individual may transfer cartridge magazine that is not deemed prohibited only if the transferee possesses a valid firearms licence.

+ What is the buyer's premium?

A buyer's premium is a percentage added to your winning bid. It's how auction houses pay the bills. At Switzer's Auction the buyer's premium is 15%.

+ What is preemptive bidding?

When preemptive bidding is enabled our system will place your maximum bid amount when the asking price is a single increment under your maximum bid amount (during live bidding). Preemptively bidding at your maximum protects you from being outbid at your bids maximum amount.

+ Why can bid increments change when the sale goes live?

Bid increments are fixed for online only auctions. Bid increments are fixed for the pre-bidding and maximum bid portion of Online/Live auctions. Once the sale goes Live the Auctioneer has the option to adjust the bid increments.

+ What is a soft close?

A soft close prevents individuals from entering a bid at the very last second before an auction closes, in order to prevent others from bidding higher. For our Online only sales our lots will close in lot order. One lot will close every 10 seconds. We have a three-minute soft close policy on each lot. This means that if a bidder enters a bid within three minutes of the lot's initial closing time, a three-minute extension would be added on. The lot will not close until bidding is static for three minutes.

+ Are there tie bids?

It’s possible that two online bidders bid the same amount. In that case we award the lot to the first online bid received. Each bid input into the system is stamped with the date/time received. This is why we encourage online bidders to enter your max bid in ICollector as soon as possible, as this scenario is very common. This is why you would want to use Preemptive Bidding (see above). If there are no live bidders to break the tie, the item is awarded to the earliest bid placed. All bids are time stamped as they are placed on ICollector.

ICollector will alert you to a tie bid using the phrase "Bid Placed but you've been outbid". Click here to see a sample.

+ MY ONLINE BID WAS REJECTED AND SOMEONE WITH THE SAME BID WON?

All online bidders have the option of placing a “bid” or a “maximum bid” when they register a bid on an item. The system time stamps the bid and advances it in competition with other bidders. So say that bidder #1 was winning at $350. But had a maximum bid of $400. The call was for $400 and bidder #2 who was participating in “real time bidding” hit the bid button. Bidder # 2’s bid would show as winning for a moment, but then because bidder #1’s maximum bid, which was time stamped earlier and was also $400 would take precedence and bidder # 2 would be out unless they bid the next increment ($450).

+ Can I cancel an online bid?

No, we are not able to cancel bids. Placing your bid is your acceptance of all Terms and Conditions, Buyers Premium, Taxes, Shipping, Pick up and Payment information. Please read them before bidding. Bid retractions will only be permitted when we have made a gross description error, obvious customer bid input errors ($5000.00 instead of $500.00).

+ Can I bid from outside of Canada?

Yes. We have a growing number of bidders in the USA/International community. Please read Lot 0D for current information for our USA/International Bidders.

There are a number of shipping restrictions for our USA and International bidders. Please make sure that you contact your local government to discuss regulations regarding firearm ownership and importation into the country.

+ How do I know if I won?

You will get an email from ICollector by the morning following the end of each auction session. It will notify bidders which items they won. You may also view this information in your Online Account at the end of each auction day. You must enable the settings in your profile for ICollector to be able to email you.

+ What Happens when I purchase a Non Restricted Firearm?

On May 18th, 2022, The Government of Canada implemented new regulations concerning the transfer / sale of non-restricted firearms.

These are Lot numbers: 2000-4699

Reference # Requirement

With these regulations, it has become necessary to obtain a reference number from the RCMP to validate the license of purchasers prior to the transfer, (shipment or pickup) of a non-restricted firearm. This reference # is for the seller (us) the buyer (you). This reference # is good for 90 days. We will obtain the reference #’s as required.

New Identification Requirement

If you are picking up your item, you will be required to show your PAL when you pick up.

If we are shipping a non restricted firearm we are now required to confirm the validity of the purchasers PAL by viewing the PAL as well as the front of one other piece of Government issued photo identification.

If you are a winning bidder on a non-restricted firearm in upcoming sales, you will receive an email notification from us requesting an uploaded photo of your identification documents. We will require this information prior to shipping any non restricted items. This information will not be stored by us, and we must receive new uploads prior to every shipment.

Information on the new regulations can be seen by clicking here.

If you are unable to send the required documentation, we will not be able to ship your item to you. Your item(s) will have to be resold in the next auction. Our regular commission rates will apply to the resale.

+ Do I have to pay HST/GST on the items I won?

Yes. All items are taxable and charged at the rate for where they are being picked up or shipped to. USA and International orders will not have tax added by us but may have imposed duties or taxes by your country once they are shipped.

+ How do I pay?

The credit card provided to us through your iCollector account will be charged for your purchses at the conclusion of our auction. If we are shipping your products to you, we will charge your shipping seperatly, once the items are ready. If you need to change the credit card on file, please contact us by email. Accepted credit cards are: VISA and Mastercard.

+ When will my items ship?

Please bear with us as after an auction there can be over 5,000 items that need to be securely packed and shipped. Firearms will be shipped in the order their paperwork and payments are completed, and after all legal paperwork is completed. We make every attempt to have all shipments sent out within 10 business days. You can expedite this process by ensuring that your license and credit card information is correct before bidding. When we have to contact you for license information or payment, your parcel will be delayed.

+ What happens when I purchase a Non Restricted Firearm?

On May 18th, 2022, The Government of Canada implemented new regulations concerning the transfer / sale of non-restricted firearms.

These are Lot numbers: 2000-4699

Reference # Requirement

With these regulations, it has become necessary to obtain a reference number from the RCMP to validate the license of purchasers prior to the transfer, (shipment or pickup) of a non-restricted firearm. This reference # is for the seller (us) the buyer (you). This reference # is good for 90 days. We will obtain the reference #’s as required.

New Identification Requirement

If we are shipping a non restricted firearm we are now required to confirm the validity of the purchasers PAL by viewing the PAL as well as the front of one other piece of Government issued photo identification.

If you are a winning bidder on a non-restricted firearm in upcoming sales, you will receive an email notification from us requesting an uploaded photo of your identification documents. We will require this information prior to shipping any non restricted items. This information will not be stored by us, and we must receive new uploads prior to every shipment.

Information on the new regulations can be seen by clicking here.

If you are unable to send the required documentation, we will not be able to ship your item to you. Your item(s) will have to be resold in the next coming auction. Our regular commission rates will apply to the resale.

+ How will my items be shipped?

We try to ship your items as economical as possible, combining lots as we can. We ship with Canada Post, UPS, and Purolator. All of these Carries have restrictions on what items they will ship. Please see lot 0E of our most recent auction for full details.

+ How are firearms and ammunition shipped and what are the restrictions?

Updated Shipping Changes and Restrictions, effective September 2023

These regulations apply to Canadian Customers only. All other customers please see lot 0B of our most recent auction for information on what we can ship outside of Canada.

We now have contracts in place with Canada Post, UPS and Purolator. These companies have specific rules and regulations for what we can ship and to where. Please read below to see the ability and limitations we have to ship items you win.

1. Our sales are categorized by Lot#'s. Some of these Lot#'s have shipping regulations.
   Your order may have to be shipped by a specific or multiple carriers to comply with the regulations.

Lots with regulations: Firearms Lots 1-4999
Ammunition Lots 10000-12999
Percussion Caps and Primers Lots 13000-13899
Blanks/Flares Lots 13900-13999
Inert Grenades/Munitions Lots 28900-28999
Lot numbers not included in the above have no shipping restrictions.

We will continue to ship your winning items the most economical way. All items will be shipped by Canada Post, UPS, or Purolator depending on location, size of parcel, and regulations. We cannot guarantee delivery times and will not refund shipping charges for parcels that are not delivered by a specific date.

2. UPS Restrictions for Ammunition and Firearms: UPS will only deliver Ammunition and Firearms to areas that are serviced by corporate employees (brown UPS delivery vehicles). Most of rural Canada is not serviced by UPS. Please click here to see if your area is covered by UPS service. You will then receive an email stating whether your area is covered or not. If you enter the postal code incorrectly, (ie. number and letter format errors), it may not work and you may get an invalid email response. All Canadian Postal codes are Letter, Number, Letter, Number, Letter, Number. It should be entered with no spaces (ie. K0L1C0). If your area is not covered by UPS we may still be able to ship your items via Purolator, or Canada Post, depending on the lot and the regulation.
   If your area is not serviced by UPS, we will send your Ammunition Lots 10000-12999, percussion cap, or primer lots (Lot 13000-13899) by Purolator (Dangerous Goods fees will apply), and your Firearms will be shipped by Canada Post. UPS stores are franchises and as such ammunition cannot be sent to them if the Postal Code is not serviceable (please confirm using our UPS Postal Code link). Firearms cannot be shipped to stores due to parcel size restrictions. Firearms can be shipped by Canada Post.

3. Purolator Restrictions:
   Purolator will ship Ammunition Lots 10000-12999, Blanks/Flares Lots 13900-13999 Percussion Cap, or Primers Lot 13000-13899 (Except to Newfoundland) Dangerous Goods fees will apply on all these shipments. Inert Grenades/Munitions Lots 28900-28999 Purolator will not ship firearms Lots 1-4999, these can be shipped by Canada Post.

4. Canada Post Restrictions: Canada Post will not ship any ammunition, explosives, or inert items (Lots 10000-13999, 28900-28999)

5. The address we have on file is the one you provided to ICollector when you first signed up for the sale. If you are moving during the time the sale is posted and we are shipping, you must email admin@switzersauction.com. We can then update this for you.

6. We must ship Ammunition and Firearms to an address on file with the CFO. We have arranged with the CFO to allow us to send your ammunition purchase to an alternative address if UPS or Purolator service is not available to you. The following is required:
   • The recipient must have a valid PAL.
   • You must send an email with the recipients: Name, PAL, date of birth, address including Postal Code and a telephone number along with instructions to ship to them.
   • There is a $15.00 administrative fee for this service which will be added to your invoice.

7. We will not issue any refunds for items that we are not able to ship. If you have purchased lots, and are unable to have them shipped, or sent to an alternative address, your items will be sold in our next auction. You will be charged a reselling fee of 25%.

8. Ammunition and Firearms cannot be shipped in the same box.

9. Items will be insured and a signature 18+ is required (unless under $100 and going by letter mail).

10. Shipping charges will be determined after preparation as we need to pack, weigh, and measure each box.

11. Your credit card will be charged before the parcel is shipped.

12. You will be emailed a tracking number to your email on file, when your parcel is sent out. Please check your junk email. This email will come from the shipping company. You are responsible for monitoring your shipment. Please contact us immediately if you notice an error or issue with the shipping or tracking information. We won't be responsible for parcels that are not reported as lost or missing beyond a 15 day period.

13. If you require an invoice with the actual shipping charge or have not received your tracking # and notice the charge on your credit card, please email admin@switzersauction.com and one will be emailed to you.

14. If your parcel is returned to us, you will be charged for the return fee, as well as the 2nd shipping charge.

15. How we calculate shipping: You will be charged for the actual cost of shipping. (Please note that Peak Season and fuel surcharge rates are in effect with Canada Post and all Couriers. You can expect your shipping to be more than normal)
    • Box & Packaging fee of $10 - $17.50 per box, depending on size of box.
    • Insurance on the value of your parcel at a rate of $2.75 per 100, with the first $100 being included in the charge. eg. $900.00 value would cost $22.00 in Insurance.
    • Tax for your area.
      Shipping charges on firearms can vary based on value and destination. An example of a $400.00 firearm going to Alberta would cost $65-$80 to ship. Shipping cost is determined by the value, size, weight, destination, and packaging fee. Shipping charges are generally a minimum $25.00.

Small items under $100.00 that will fit in an envelope for Canada Post Regulations on Letter Mail, will be charged a flat fee of $10.00 + tax. There will be no insurance and tracking information available on these items. If you require insurance or tracking information, we can ship these in a box. If you prefer your items boxed instead of in an envelope, please email admin@switzersauction.com at the completion of the sale.

16. If you need to change your preference from "ship" to "pick up" you must email us by Saturday evening, before the close of the Auction. All emails must be sent to admin@switzersauction.com. Our team will then be able to pull your invoice from the shipping que. We will not be held responsible for requests that we are unable to meet, or that come in after the deadline. Please do not leave instructions on our answering machine, they will not be followed. Due to the volume of orders and emails, there will be delays in responding to your email, however, we will do our best to ensure your order is pulled and redirected to the Pickup Que.

17. !!!What we are unable to do!!! Ship with other carriers. We will only use UPS, and Purolator, and Canada Post (within their Regulations).

Canpar and Loomis, FedEx will not carry firearms and ammunition. We have been told by customers that other companies are sending ammunition via, other carriers and UPS. We have no control as to what other companies are doing. Our contracts are specific, and we are not willing to risk losing our contract.

We have been told by the Ontario CFO, that we are not allowed to ship ammunition to your place of work (unless your work place address is on file with the CFO). It must go to an address that we can validate, to the PAL holder.

+ Can you combine all of my items into one shipment?

We will combine all lots from all sessions when possible. Some items are difficult to combine due to weight or size restrictions. We can’t ship ammunition and firearms together.

+ What are the shipping costs?

Shipping cost is different for every order. You are charged the actual cost of the shipping, a box and handling fee, insurance and tax for your location. The biggest difference is with insurance and your location. Please see lot 0E of our most recent auction for further breakdown of shipping costs.

+ Can you ship to the USA or International?

It is important that all international and USA buyers contact us before bidding to discuss shipping, see also lot 0B of our most recent auction.

+ When can I pick up my items?

Please see lot OA for current pickup information.

+ Can a friend or family member pick up for me?

Yes under certain conditions. Please email admin@switzersauction.com to give permission for the person to pick up your items. The person must have a valid PAL that they bring with them if they are picking up ammunition or a non-restricted firearm. This can't be done with a prohibited or restricted class firearm.