Remarkables F.A.Q.

1) How much does it cost to register?
Registration is free. Anyone with a valid email address can create an account and bid from any computer or mobile device. There are no buyer’s fees—you only pay your winning bid amount plus applicable taxes and shipping (if shipping is requested).

2) Why is PST charged on second-hand goods?
Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North Society is a registered PST collector, and is required to charge and remit PST on taxable sales in British Columbia.

3) How do I pay for an item I won?
Payment is made online through the auction checkout using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

4) Is online payment secure?
Yes. Payments are processed through an encrypted, secure checkout to help protect your information.

5) I keep getting outbid immediately—what’s happening?
The auction uses Proxy Bidding (common on online auction platforms). This can make it look like you’re being outbid instantly when another bidder has already entered a higher maximum bid.

6) How does Proxy Bidding work?
When you place a bid, you’re entering the maximum amount you’re willing to pay. The system then bids only as much as needed (based on the bid increment) to keep you in the lead—up to your maximum.

• Your maximum bid is not shown to other bidders.
  
  

• If someone else has a higher maximum, you may be outbid right away.
  
  

• If not, you can still win—and often for less than your maximum.
  
  

7) What are the bid increments?
Bid increments vary by item. The increment is typically between $2.00 and $25.00, depending on the current price. The increment used for that item will be reflected in the next available bid amount.
Note: You can always bid higher than the minimum increment if you choose.

8) Can I retract a bid?
No. Please bid carefully. It is the bidder’s responsibility to determine suitability and ask any questions before bidding. Once placed, bids cannot be retracted, and the high bidder is obligated to complete the purchase. Failure to honour a winning bid may result in account cancellation.

9) Can I return an auction item?
No. As with most auctions, all sales are final and there are no returns.

10) I paid—what happens next?
Items can be picked up from the Comox Valley or Campbell River location two (2) days after the auction ends. Items are not transferred between stores, and it is the winning bidder’s responsibility to arrange pickup of their item.
If you require shipping, please contact your local ReStore before bidding to confirm whether shipping is available for that item and the estimated cost.

11) Where do I pick up my items?

Each item is housed at either our Comox Valley or Campbell River ReStore locations. Each item(s) has the location posted to the item. Please see the item.

COMOX VALLEY RESTORE

1755 13th Street

Courtenay, BC

V9N 8P2

CAMPBELL RIVER RESTORE

1725 Willow St,

Campbell River, BC

V9W 3M8

12) I can’t pick my item up within 5 business days, what do I do?

If you cannot pick your item up within 5 business days please contact either The Comox Valley or Campbell ReStore or email: Remarkables@habitatnorthisland.com.

Remarkables Auction Rules & Terms

These Auction Rules & Terms (“Terms”) apply to all participants in the Restore Remarkables online auction (the “Auction”), operated by Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North (“HFHVIN,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) using the Auctria.com platform (“Auctria”). By registering, placing a bid, or purchasing an item, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms.

1. Eligibility and Registration

• Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
  
  

• A registered bidder account is required to place bids.
  
  

• To help maintain an accurate and secure auction system, HFHVIN may deactivate or remove registered accounts due to inactivity, email delivery failures, invalid or expired credit card information, suspected misuse, or incomplete account details. Users may be required to update information or re-register to participate.

2. Bidder Responsibility and Research

Bidders are responsible for reviewing item descriptions, photos, measurements, condition notes, pickup requirements, and any stated restrictions prior to placing a bid. Items are offered primarily as donated, secondhand goods, and bidders are encouraged to ask questions or view items in person when possible. By bidding, you confirm that you have reviewed the available information and that the item meets your expectations.

3. Bidding and Binding Offers

• All bids are binding offers. By placing a bid, you agree that if you are the winning bidder, you will purchase the item at your winning bid amount plus applicable taxes.
  
  

• Bidders are responsible for ensuring they are bidding on the correct item and entering the intended bid amount.
  
  

• If you are outbid, you have no obligation to purchase.
  
  

• Bids may not be retracted or cancelled once placed, except in the case of a confirmed system error or at HFHVIN’s discretion.

4. Bid Increments, Auto-Bidding, Tie Bids, and Errors

• Bid increments are set by the auction system and cannot be adjusted by bidders.
  
  

• If auto-bidding is used, the system may place bids on your behalf up to your selected maximum amount. It is the bidder’s responsibility to understand how auto-bidding functions before using it.
  
  

• In the event of a tie bid, the earliest bid received will be considered the winning bid.
  
  

• HFHVIN reserves the right to correct listing errors, extend or reopen bidding, cancel bids, or cancel a sale if a technical issue, listing error, or other circumstance affects auction fairness or integrity.

5. Reserve Prices and Item Availability

• Some items may have a reserve price. If the reserve price is not met, the item may not be sold.
  
  

• HFHVIN reserves the right to withdraw any item or service from the Auction at any time due to listing errors, damage, loss, donor restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

6. Auction Closing and Notifications

• Each item closes at the time shown on the Auction site.
  
  

• HFHVIN may adjust closing times to maintain fairness or address technical issues.
  
  

• Bidders who opt in to text or email notifications acknowledge that message delivery and timing are not guaranteed.

7. Payment and Taxes

• A valid credit card is required to bid. Credit card information is stored securely by Auctria.
  
  

• If you are the winning bidder, the credit card on file will be charged automatically for the winning bid amount plus applicable taxes.
  
  

• Payment in full is required following the close of the Auction.
  
  

• If payment cannot be processed, the winning bidder remains responsible for completing payment. Habitat VIN may cancel the sale and make the item available to another bidder if payment is not resolved within a reasonable timeframe.
  
  

• All sales are final. No exchanges, or returns.

• In limited circumstances and at Habitat VIN’s discretion, a refund may be considered on a case-by-case basis and, if approved, will be processed exclusively through the Auctria system and to the credit card on file.

8. Item Descriptions, Condition, and “As Is” Sales

• All items are sold “as is, where is.” Many items are secondhand and may show signs of normal wear.
  
  

• HFHVIN makes reasonable efforts to describe items accurately; however, descriptions, photos, measurements, and stated values are provided as a guide only and do not constitute a warranty or guarantee.
  
  

• HFHVIN makes no representations regarding fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability.

9. Pickup, Storage, and Shipping

• Items must be picked up at the location specified in the item listing:
  
  

  • Comox Valley ReStore: 1755 13th Street, Courtenay
    
    

  • Campbell River ReStore: 1725B Willow Street, Campbell River
    
    

• Items must be picked up within 5 business days of the pickup start date unless other arrangements are approved in advance.
  
  

• Items not picked up within 2 weeks of the pickup start date may be forfeited without refund, and ownership will revert to HFHVIN. The item may be resold or re-auctioned to support Habitat VIN’s charitable mission.
  
  

• Items are pickup only unless otherwise stated. HFHVIN does not arrange or cover shipping. Any shipping arranged by a bidder is at the bidder’s own risk and expense.
  
  

• HFHVIN does not charge a standard storage or restocking fee.

10. Donated Services, Vouchers, Transfer, and Resale

• For services, experiences, or gift certificates, the winning bidder is responsible for booking and redeeming directly with the provider.
  
  

• Redemption is subject to provider availability, provider terms, restrictions, and any stated expiration dates.
  
  

• Unless explicitly stated otherwise, auction items are intended for personal use. HFHVIN does not guarantee transferability, resale value, or market value.

11. Fair Market Value and Tax Receipts

Auction purchases are not eligible for charitable tax receipts. Any stated value reflects an estimated fair market value provided for reference only.

12. Communications and Privacy

By registering, bidders consent to receive Auction-related communications by email or text. Contact information will be used solely for Auction administration and HFHVIN communications, in accordance with our privacy practices.

13. Liability, Platform Limitations, and Third Parties

• HFHVIN does not manufacture, test, or certify Auction items and makes no warranties, express or implied.
  
  

• HFHVIN is not responsible for the acts or omissions of donors, service providers, carriers, or third parties.
  
  

• HFHVIN does not control and cannot guarantee the continuous operation or availability of Auctria or any internet service and is not responsible for technical interruptions or delays.

14. Unforeseen Circumstances

HFHVIN is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or changes caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including weather, power outages, system failures, or public emergencies

15. Staff, Volunteers, and Donors

HFHVIN staff, volunteers, and donors may participate in the Auction unless otherwise restricted. All participants are subject to the same Rules & Terms.

16. Disputes, Enforcement, and Conduct

HFHVIN is committed to running the Auction in a fair, respectful, and transparent manner in support of its charitable mission. If a winning bidder fails to complete payment, pick up an item, or otherwise comply with these Terms, HFHVIN will make reasonable efforts to resolve the situation. If resolution is not possible, HFHVIN may cancel the sale, reassign or re-auction the item, and limit future participation.

17. Governing Law, Changes, and Severability

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and applicable federal laws of Canada. HFHVIN reserves the right to update or modify these Terms by posting an updated version on the Auction site. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.