Frequently Asked Questions

Accounts & Bidding

How to Register & Bid?

Please click here or watch video from link below  to know how to register and bid on Hibid. 

https://youtu.be/FlgpARaWg50

• All prospective bidders must create or login to a HiBid account which they may do so by clicking on the “Login/New Bidder” menu item.
• After doing so, to begin bidding they must register to the specific auction they wish to participate in.
• Please note you will need to register separately for every auction.
• To register, you may choose the “register to bid” menu item or click on the bid button of any lot within that auction.
• A new window will prompt you to enter the payment method you will be using for the auction. Please note, you will need to authorize a credit card to register in our auctions.
• It is important that the billing address you provide matches EXACTLY with the one on file with your credit union/bank.
• This is also the address your items will be shipped to you by default.
• If you want them shipped elsewhere or pick them up yourself, you can use the registration window to notify.
• After a successful registration, you are ready to bid. To place a bid, simply click the bid button on the desired lot.

 

What does no reserve/unreserved auction mean?

A reserve price is the minimum price at which an auctioneer is willing to sell a lot. We do not have a reserve price for any of our lots hence all our auctions are completely unreserved.

What does buyer’s premium mean?

Buyer’s premium is an additional charge paid by buyer to auctioneer after winning the lot, normally it’s predefined percentage of the winning amount. We charge 15% buyer’s premium or minimum of $10 is applied to each invoice as buyer's premium.

What is Soft Close?

In the event that a bid is placed on an item in the final minutes of an auction sale, the auction will automatically be extended for an additional 3 minutes to prevent 'auction sniping'. The extension will continue until all the bids have stopped.

What is a Starting Bid?

The starting bid represents the intrinsic value of gold, silver & gemstones and is below manufacturing cost and is approximately 10% of the retail value.

What is Maximum Bid?

You may automate the bidding process by providing us with a Maximum Bid. A maximum bid is the highest amount you are willing to pay for an item, but also ensures that you will only pay the lowest amount possible to win the item. For example, if you place a bid for $50 and place a maximum bid of $100, you are guaranteed to win the item for any amount between $50 to $100 unless someone bids higher than $100. However, you will pay only as much that is required to be the highest bidder.

What are the bid increments?

Bid increments are the amounts by which each bid will increase based on the current bid price. The higher value the item, the higher the bid increments.

Payment & Invoicing

I won the lot, what is next process?

You will receive an email regarding your winning lot(s) and total cost. After we have received the payment, the items will be shipped to the billing address you provided at the time of registration, unless you provide us a different shipping address or requested a pickup. If you wish to make changes in the information you provided or need additional services such as resizing, please notify us within 24 hours of the auction closing.

What are methods of payment accepted on the platform?

HiBiD, supports payment via credit card only. However, we accept payment via debit card, credit card, bank transfer andother payment services. Please get in touch within 24 hours and place a request to change default payment methods.

I live outside Canada, will there be any other expenses?

No, we are international auctioneers and cater to customers around the world at no additional charge.

What are applicable taxes on the item?

We charge applicable taxes on each order from buyers/winners living in Canada.

When will I receive invoice for payment?

You will receive soft copy of invoice within 48 hours, and 1 printed copy will be sent along with the shipment.

Product or Item

Do you offer Appraisals?

We offer free Appraisals on select products; a picture of the appraisal will be available in the auction for such items. However, if you want to get an appraisal for any other product, please let us know and we will provide you with one. Please note the appraised value will be in Canadian Dollars and on-demand appraisal is a value-added service and may incur some additional costs to the buyer.

Do you provide shipping insurance?

We provide free worldwide insured shipping for packages valued over $800 USD. If you want insured shipping irrespective of package value or additional insurance, please let us know within 24 hours. Please note on-demand insured shipping request is a value-added service and cost depends on quotation from courier partners.

I received wrong/damaged products, what next?

We take our utmost care to prepare parcels for shipments, however, it is the sole responsibility of the buyer for loss or damages during shipping without insurance.

If you have received the incorrect items, please notify us upon receipt and we will ship you the correct items. If you wish, you can also buy the incorrect lots otherwise we can make arrangements for shipping it back

Is there any option for Buy it Now?

We do not have any buy it now option. We sell through auctions on HiBiD.

Shipping & Return

When can I expect shipment after successful payment?

We provide free worldwide shipping fee for orders totaling over $250. Standard shipping fee is $10. You can pick your item from office on Thursday 10:00AM -5:00PM

What is shipping fee?

We provide free worldwide insured shipping for packages valued over $1000 USD. If you want insured shipping irrespective of package value or additional insurance, please let us know within 24 hours. Please note on-demand insured shipping request is a value-added service and cost depends on quotation from courier partners.

What is insurance fee?

We offer free insured shipping for orders over $1000.

Can I order insurance for the package?

Yes, you can always ask us to provide insured shipping, please insured shipping may incur additional cost.

Who pays custom duty?

There is no duty on Canadian made goods to be imported in New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, and other countries which have free trade agreement with Canada.

When/how can I return a product?

Affordable Creations wants you to love your new purchase. If, however you need to return an item we are here to help. Please understand, as auctioneers, we sell our goods as is and it is the buyer’s prerogative to inspect the items before purchase, which we facilitate through comprehensive photographs. You may also contact us with questions you have about specific lots. We have got you covered with our "100% Satisfaction Guarantee", we will buy-back all your winnings if you are not satisfied by your purchase and it is reported within 7 days from the date of the delivery.

How long will it take to process refund?

For approved returns, and buyback guarantee program. It takes 2-4 days to refund amount via your preferred channel.

Can I visit your office?

Yes! We operate by appointment only. If you would like to come into the shop to discuss a custom design or try on rings in stock, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Sizing & Fitting

How do I get my partner’s ring size without them noticing?

Start by asking your significant other’s friends and family. If they wear rings frequently, try to take one without them noticing to a local jewelry store and ask them to check the size. Be sure to note which finger and hand they wear it on! Each of our fingers are different sizes and they can even vary from right to left hand. If you still are out of luck, we can try to guess based on their height and shirt size (S,M,L). We can usually get within the ballpark.

How should I get my finger sized?

Any local jewelry store should offer free sizing. When you get sized, take note of which type of sizers they used- thin, wide or comfort fit (meaning they were rounded on the inside). Jewelers will not have quarter sizes but will be able to determine if you need a quarter size or not.

What is difference between comfort fir and regular fit?

Comfort fit is rounded on the inside, making it easier to slide on and off. Most of our wide bands come in comfort fit. Comfort fit tends to fit large, so if you are an 8 in a regular fit, you may be closer to a 7.5 or 7.75 in comfort fit.

Can I order insurance for the package?

Yes, you can always ask us to provide insured shipping, please insured shipping may incur additional cost.

I just got my ring, but it doesn’t fit! What do I do?

At Affordable Creations we want you love your purchase and size should not be any issue. We provide a resizing service upon request. Please allow 2 weeks for resizing. Rings can be resized for an additional $40.

Jewelry & Metals

Why is my silver jewelry changing colors?

This is very common for silver jewelry and it is called tarnishing. The good news is that tarnish only occurs on the surface and can be polished away. If you want your white metal jewelry to not tarnish, opt for white gold or platinum- neither of these metals will tarnish.

How should I clean my jewelry?

Please use a cleaner which is safe on all jewelry and gemstones, you may find it in your neighborhood. For silver, a polishing cloth and for brass and all other base metal jewelry, we recommend the silliest cleaning method: ketchup or salsa. The acidity from the tomatoes cleans brass jewelry immediately making it bright and shiny again. Simply mix a little tomato condiment of your choice with some water and swish your jewelry around in it for a few minutes. Thoroughly rinse off and dry.

What is difference between karat and carat?

Karat is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

What are the 4 C’s?

The 4 C’s stand for Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut.

Carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

Clarity refers to how clear a diamond is and is based on how many inclusions are inside the diamond. Inclusions can include minute crystals, growth patterns, tiny enclosed fractures, etc. Clarity is measured on a scale from IF (internally flawless) to I2 (included 2). The clearer a diamond is the rarer and thus, the higher the price.

Color refers to the color of a diamond. Diamonds tend to have a yellowish or brownish tint. The scale starts at D (colorless) and goes all the way down to Z (noticeable color). Most diamonds we see in the market are in the D-I range.

Cut refers to the cut of a diamond and is the most overlooked but possibly the most important! Cut is the only contribution by man, while all others are naturally occurring. Cut can really make or break the appearance of the stone. If a diamond has excellent proportions, symmetry and angles it is going to have optimal light return and be very sparkly. If a diamond has poor angles, poor symmetry and poor polish, it will appear dull and dark.

What is synthetic diamond or synthetic gemstone?

A synthetic diamond or gemstone has essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical and physical properties of its nature counterpart. The main difference is that one is grown in a lab in a matter of months or years, and the latter is formed deep inside the earth over the course of millions of years.

Why should I get a synthetic diamond or gemstone over a natural one?

There are a few reasons to opt for a synthetic gem over a natural gem. For one, it is a lot more cost effective to go synthetic. Another reason is that it can be a more ethical decision in the way that you are not directly contributing to the mining industry issues and conflicts. That is not to say that it is the only ethical option as there are many ways to leave a positive impact on the mining industry by opting for a natural.

Why should I get a natural diamond or gemstone over a synthetic one?

There is something ethereal and magical about owning a natural gemstone or diamond. Naturally occurring gems are a wonderment in and of itself, not to mention the fact that they took millions of years to make its way to your hand. You can make a positive impact on mining communities and families when you purchase a responsibly sourced or traceable gemstone or diamond. As the demand increases for responsibly sourced and traceable gems, we begin to see changes taking place in mining communities such as establishing safe working conditions, affordable healthcare and fair wages.

Testimonials

See what people are saying about us:

" I wanted to express my appreciation, a large majority of the items surpass expectations and I am very happy with them"

-Jessica Villarreal

"I received the items and I love them! Thank you so much for the free gift magnifying glass, that was a very pleasant surprise and I appreciate it!!"

-Christian Kentie

"Thank you!  I love you guys a little too much!!"

-Lori Puglisevich

"Thank you for your amazing service and I can not wait to see the shipment. You've made this such a wonderful experience."

-Jennifer Kriticos

"I received my lots today and am very pleased ...thank you."

- Theron Lloyd

"I received my lots today and am very pleased ...thank you."

- Lee-Anne Knox

"I have been bidding on jewelry for more than a year now and I have loved the experience as well as the products!!"

- Daphne

"I JUST LOVE THE I CAN BID ON SOME OF THE LOWER PRICED ITEMS THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF REACH AT RETAIL "

- A W

"I have been bidding on these auctions for about a year. Ive always been satisfied. Thank you "

- Natasha Kelly