Buying guns on online auctions...

[CMichaud]

I was registering for an auction to maybe bid on a few non-restricted rifles.

First I had to register for an account at the iCollector site

Next up I had to re-input information on the iCollector site for the particular auction including name, address, email, phone, PAL #, PAL expiry, DOB, and VISA details

Now I have received yet another form from the actual auction house requesting Name, phone, address, email, PAL #, PAL expiry, DOB, City of birth, Gun range, and gun range membership.

According to the email from the auction house, "The extra information will be matched with your iCollector registration and you will be approved the next business day. The more information provided, the faster the approval. You may not be contacted if information is incorrect so be thorough."

Think I will not bother as my tin foil hat hates other people with unknown security protocols holding this much personal information.

Am I being too paranoid?

 

[redruns]

I was registering for an auction to maybe bid on a few non-restricted rifles.

First I had to register for an account at the iCollector site

Next up I had to re-input information on the iCollector site for the particular auction including name, address, email, phone, PAL #, PAL expiry, DOB, and VISA details

Now I have received yet another form from the actual auction house requesting Name, phone, address, email, PAL #, PAL expiry, DOB, City of birth, Gun range, and gun range membership.

According to the email from the auction house, "The extra information will be matched with your iCollector registration and you will be approved the next business day. The more information provided, the faster the approval. You may not be contacted if information is incorrect so be thorough."

Think I will not bother as my tin foil hat hates other people with unknown security protocols holding this much personal information.

Am I being too paranoid?

Yeah, I think so. I've been through the process but won't be participating in the auction this time. Didn't see anything in the catalogue which interested me. Good site, good auction house. Real people you can call and chat with.

 

[FLHTCUI]

I was registering for an auction to maybe bid on a few non-restricted rifles.

First I had to register for an account at the iCollector site

Next up I had to re-input information on the iCollector site for the particular auction including name, address, email, phone, PAL #, PAL expiry, DOB, and VISA details

Now I have received yet another form from the actual auction house requesting Name, phone, address, email, PAL #, PAL expiry, DOB, City of birth, Gun range, and gun range membership.

According to the email from the auction house, "The extra information will be matched with your iCollector registration and you will be approved the next business day. The more information provided, the faster the approval. You may not be contacted if information is incorrect so be thorough."

Think I will not bother as my tin foil hat hates other people with unknown security protocols holding this much personal information.

Am I being too paranoid?

Nope...you personal information and your personal comfort level.....
Rob

 

[petew]

The after sales charges quickly push up the prices.

 

[Magellann]

Keep in mind the added fees & taxes, it can make a gun end up being priced way too high. And all the info you supply will end up being used as junk mail to your inbox.

 

[mastermind]

The registration process is pretty normal considering iCollector and Proxibid are a third-party to the auction house. I use Proxibid. The auction house has to verify your license and payment info. I had to re-register when I received a new PAL due to expiry date and it can take a couple days for the auction house to approve.

I like how the online auctions allow you to browse and bid live, from the comfort of your home. Even better with the live streaming. The extra 5% fee sucks though as does paying tax on a used firearm, but it is what it is. I also can't stand spending 8-9hrs on the floor waiting for lot #400, only to find someone bidding more than it's worth. I usually go the day before or early in the morning for the viewing.

I follow some local auctions religiously, but I am shocked by the amount people are willing to pay. Who in their right mind would pay $200+ for a second hand, refurb SKS, plus auction fees and plus tax?! Even old Cooey's go cheaper and in better condition on the EE than at some auctions. It's crazy.. but I am a nut and I can't help it.

 

[CMichaud]

Was just checking the fees

absentee/online 15% +3% if visa + GST = 23%

If in house the premium is 13%+GST if VISA/(FRAUD ALERT) = 18%

If in house and cash/debit, it is 10% + GST = 15%

Shipping for a long arm is $60

For the online questionnaire, I do not like that they don't differentiate between info reqr for Antique vs Non-restricted vs restricted/prohib.

It is what it is but I personally can't bring myself to throw that much pers info out there so will not be bidding online when I am only looking at NR rifles.