Ertl Estate Online Auction - Wentzville, MO

HIGHER CALLING AUCTIONS ONLINE PERSONAL PROPERTY AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• FEES & TAXES
• Buyer’s Premium: 16% added to final bid price. 
  • Please note: The amounts shown on your invoice reflect the standard purchase price. A 4% discount is available for payments made by cash, check, ACH, or wire transfer and will be applied to the invoice total at the time of payment.
• Reschedule Fee: $25 for pickups outside scheduled dates/times.
• Taxes: Applied as required by law and noted per auction.
• Shipping/Handling Fee:
  • Minimum $5.00 per invoice
  • $10.00 per lot handling fee, max $50.00 per invoice, if returning items to our facility

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  REGISTRATION
  • Note: Auction Company reserves the right to require proof of identification before approving anyone for participation
  • For auctions that are ONLINE ONLY. Bidders must complete online registration and agree to all terms.
  • For LIVE ONLINE auctions, registration may be completed by phone, email, or online.
    • Phone 636-344-0663
    • Email [email protected]
  • For all auctions,
    • A valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) is required to verify intent to register and participate.
  • Registration is non-transferable. Only the registered bidder may participate.
  • By registering, bidders agree to all terms, including any changes made prior to auction start.

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  BIDDING TERMS
  • Bidding Responsibility:
    • All bids are final and binding. Bids cannot be canceled, removed, or reduced.
    • Bidding on the wrong item or changing your mind does not qualify for removal.
  • Ownership transfers to the highest bidder at auction close once payment is received and recorded.
  • All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges
  • Declined payments also incur a $45 fee.

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  MAXIMUM BIDDING:
  • You may place a MAX BID. The system will automatically bid up to your max in set increments.
  • Once place a MAX BID may be increased but not lowered.
  • Email/text alerts will be sent if you are outbid—check spam folders.
  • Reasons a MAX BID may Be applied immediately:
    • Another higher bid was already placed on the item.
    • Another bidder has a higher max bid already entered.
    • A reserve (if posted) is higher than your max bid.

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  EXTENDED BIDDING, STAGGERED CLOSING and GROUP LOTS:
  • Extended Bidding: Any bid placed within the final 2 minutes extends bidding on that lot by 2 minutes.
    • This will continue until no bids are received in the extended time.
  • Grouped Lots - Some auctions may use Group Lotting. When one lot in the group receives a bid, the entire group will extend the bidding times. 
  • Staggered Closing: Lots close in small batches. An auction “start close” time is posted, but final close varies depending on bid activity

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  BIDDING SYSTEM RELIABILITY:
  • HCA is not responsible for internet disruptions or system delays.
  • It is recommended to bid early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

• PAYMENT TERMS:
  • A valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) is required to register and bid. A pre-auction authorization will be performed to verify available credit, which may place a temporary hold on funds. No charges will be made unless a purchase is confirmed.
  • All payments must be made in USD currency.
  • Please note: The amounts shown on your invoice reflect the standard purchase price. A 4% discount is available for payments made by cash, check, ACH, or wire transfer and will be applied to the invoice total at the time of payment.
  • Bids are final and form a binding contract with Higher Calling Auctions. Winning bidders must pay all amounts due, including fees, premiums, taxes, and shipping or pickup.
  • Failure to comply may result in legal action, collections, and exclusion from future auctions. Participation confirms acceptance of these terms.
• Invoices over $2,500, including buyer’s premium, must be settled by cashier’s check or wire transfer.
• Accepted payment methods:
  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check
  • In-state personal check with photo ID
  • ACH or wire transfer - buyer responsible for wire fees
  • Credit card
• Payment must be completed before any item disassembly, loading, or removal.
• All accounts must be settled by the conclusion of the auction pickup unless stated otherwise.

• PAYMENT POLICY FOR LARGE PURCHASES
  • Any invoice exceeding $2,500.00 requires payment by cashier's check or wire transfer.

• PAYMENT POLICY FOR OUT-OF-STATE BUYERS
  • Buyers with a registered address outside Missouri may pay by ACH/Wire Transfer. Buyer may use credit card to settle account up to $1500 by clicking on the My Invoices tab in your auction account. 
  • Invoices over $1,500 must be paid by wire transfer.
    • Buyer to contact [email protected] to receive wire transfer instructions.
    • Buyers are responsible for any wire transfer fees. Invoices will be adjusted accordingly to reflect these charges. 

• TITLE DISTRIBUTION POLICY
  • Titles will be released at auction Pickup only if payment is made by cash, cashier’s check, or wire transfer.
  • Credit cards ARE NOT accepted for titled vehicles or equipment.
  • If paying by personal check, the title will be held until the payment clears.
    • Plan accordingly if immediate title transfer is required. 

• EMAIL RESPONSIBILITY
  • A valid email address is required to participate in our auctions.
  • Communication—including registration, bidding updates, invoices, and pickup instructions—is conducted primarily by email.
  • It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure their email account is functioning properly.
    • This includes checking spam folders and whitelisting our domain.
    • If emails are not being received, contact us immediately. 
  • Failure to maintain a working email may result in missed information and bidding restrictions.

• PICKUP POLICY
  • Winning bidders must schedule pickup using the link provided in the email received from Shipping Saint.
  • Arrive only at your scheduled time
    • early arrivals are not permitted.
    • If delayed, text 636-344-0663.
    • A $25 fee applies to pickups outside listed times.
  • Buyers are fully responsible for removing their purchases.
    • This includes dismantling, disconnecting, and providing all tools, equipment, and labor.
    • f you cannot attend, send a qualified representative.
  • Items not picked up or shipped within 30 days will be considered abandoned and become property of Higher Calling Auctions with no refunds being issued.
  • A paid invoice must be presented before any item is released. Only fully paid items may be removed.

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  HAULING POLICY FOR OFFSITE AUCTIONS 
  • If Higher Calling Auctions Staff has to relocate any item from an offsite auction back to our facility, a handling fee will be charged with a minimum fee of $10 per invoice. 
  • This includes:
    • Partial lot pickups
    • No-shows without prior approval
    • Arrangements made to bring items back to the facility. 

• PICKUP ASSISTANCE POLICY
  • Buyers must bring adequate help and equipment to safely move and load their items.
  • HCA staff are not required to assist with loading. If assistance is needed due to lack of preparation, a fee may be charged at HCA’s discretion.
  • HCA reserves the right to refuse to move any item the buyer cannot safely handle.
  • All buyers must check in during their scheduled time to:
    • Settle invoices
    • Be directed to item locations
      • Pickup does not need to be completed during the scheduled check-in window. HCA understands that loading may take longer and will allow reasonable time for completion.
    • Waiting on Additional helpers or buyers arriving outside of scheduled check-in times will not be accommodated.
  • Priority is given to prepared buyers who arrive as scheduled to maintain an efficient pickup process for all participants. 
  • Buyers must bring enough help to safely move their items.
    • If HCA staff must assist due to lack of preparation, a fee may be charged.
  • HCA may also refuse to move items a buyer cannot handle.

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  LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
  • Buyers are responsible for any damage caused during item removal—including to the item, other property, or the pickup location.
  • Use proper equipment and care. If unsure how to safely remove an item, ask our staff before proceeding.
  • Higher Calling Auctions is not liable for damages caused by buyer negligence.

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  SHIPPING POLICY
  • Shipping is available for most small and medium items.
  • Once invoiced, you’ll receive a follow-up email from Shipping Saint to schedule pickup or request shipping.

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  PACKING AND SHIPPING DETAILS
  • All shipments require insurance for the full invoice value (including Buyer’s Premium and taxes if applicable)
  • We do not ship without insurance.
  • We do not accept 3rd party shipping labels.
  • Shipping charges include labor, materials (new boxes, bubble wrap, etc.), and retail shipping rates.
  • Shipping estimates based on 16x16x16 boxes with weight of 10 lbs. from 63390.
  • Items will not be released until all packing and shipping charges are paid in full.
  • No refunds will be given due to shipping cost complaints.
  • Minimum $5 and Maximum $50 fee per invoice handling fee applies, if items must be returned to our facility from an on-site location. 
    • Invoice will be adjusted to reflect this service fee. 
  • International Shipping is determined on a per-item basis.
    • Contact [email protected] before bidding to confirm eligibility.
  • No pallet or freight shipping.
  • For large shipments, buyers may hire a freight service to pick up during scheduled times.
    • Freight companies must handle all packaging, rigging, loading, and securing items for travel.

• PROPERTY CONDITION AND SALE POLICY
  • All items are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, and ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
  • It is the bidder’s responsibility to evaluate the condition, age, authenticity, and value of each item during the available preview period.
  • Descriptions and photos are provided as a general guide.
  • Higher Calling Auctions makes no guarantees or warranties, express or implied.
    • This includes any assurance regarding condition, usability, or suitability for a specific use.
  • Items marked NIB/New in Box may have been handled during preview. 
  • HCA aims to present items as accurately as possible.
  • All items should be assumed to be previously owned unless stated otherwise.
  • Condition is not guaranteed beyond what is shown in photos or stated in the description.

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  INSPECTION AND BIDDING POLICY
  • Bidders may request a preview appointment by emailing [email protected].
  • Those who choose not to preview in person accept any limitations that come with bidding based on photos and descriptions alone.
  • Buyers are solely responsible for determining item condition and suitability before bidding.
    • HCA is not liable for minor errors or omissions.
    • Liability applies only in cases of material and intentional misrepresentation.
  • Buyer acknowledges and accepts that all sales are final.
    • No returns or refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

• ONLINE BIDDING SERVICE POLICY
  • Online bidding is offered as a convenience.
  • Bidders accept the risk that internet service may fail or function improperly, especially during auction closing.
  • Higher Calling Auctions is not responsible for missed bids, delays, or system issues caused by internet outages, slow connections, or platform errors.
  • Higher Calling Auctions reserves the right to withdraw, re-catalog, or adjust auction items as needed.
  • By bidding, you acknowledge and accept the limitations of online bidding platforms and waive any claims related to technical failures.

• AUCTION COMPANY"S RIGHTS
  • The Auction company reserves the right to accept bids in any increment deemed appropriate for the Seller’s best interest.
  • Bids may be rejected from any individual whose behavior, comments, or actions are disruptive or detrimental to the Seller or Auction Company.
  • All decisions made by the Auctioneer are final and made to uphold the integrity and fairness of the auction process.

• LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
  • By participating in this auction, the buyer agrees to assume full responsibility for the use, transport, and removal of purchased items.
  • Higher Calling Auctions and the Seller are not liable for injuries, damages, or losses arising from participation in the auction or the handling of purchased property.
  • The buyer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Higher Calling Auctions and the Seller against any claims, damages, or liabilities related to the purchase, use, or removal of any item.
• NON-COMPLIANCE CONSEQUENCES:
  • If a buyer fails to follow these terms, Higher Calling Auctions and the Seller reserve the right to:
    • Resell the property publicly or privately, with the original buyer responsible for any loss in resale value and associated costs, or
    • Cancel the sale and retain all payments made as liquidated damages
    • The Auction company commission and any incidental damages will be added.
    • Ban buyer from current and future auction participation
    • The Auction company may exercise either option at their sole discretion.
      • These measures are in place to protect the integrity of the auction and the interests of our sellers and compliant bidders.

• FIREARM PURCHASE POLICY
  • All firearm transfers must comply with federal and state law.
  • Bidders are responsible for understanding and meeting all legal ownership requirements before placing a bid.
  • Missouri residents who meet age and legal requirements must complete transfer through a local FFL dealer.
  • Non-Missouri residents must have firearms transferred to a licensed FFL dealer in their state, where a background check will be completed in accordance with local laws.
  • Out-of-state buyers must pay by wire transfer.
  • ·Missouri residents must pick up and pay in person—no proxy pickups allowed. 

JEWELRY SETTLEMENT AND SHIPPING

• • Wire transfer is required for any jewelry items being shipped.
    • No other forms of payment will be accepted for shipped jewelry.
  • Jewelry will not be released until full payment is received and verified.
  • If picked up in person, payment may be made by:
  • Any purchase over $1000 must be paid via Wire Transfer/ ACH or Cashier's Check 
    • Cash
    • Cashier’s check
    • Credit card (up to $1,000 only)
      • Invoices over $1,000 must be paid by wire transfer, or cashier’s check
        
        

Thank you for choosing Higher Calling Auctions. We look forward to your participation in this exciting event.