Protz Train Collection - Online Auction, Wright City, 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.

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• 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.

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

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• 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. 

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• 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. 

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• 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.

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• 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. 

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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. 

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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.

Shipping is available for most auction items. Please carefully review these important details:
After the Auction concludes
• After your invoice is processed, you'll receive an email/text from Shipping Saint.
• Use the provided link in the email/text to schedule a pickup or request shipping.
• If shipping is requested, the credit card on file will be charged before items are packed.
Packing & Shipping Services
• Higher Calling Auctions handles packing and shipping in-house for small and medium-sized items.
• Insurance coverage is mandatory for all shipments, covering the full invoiced amount, including the Buyer’s Premium.
• We DO NOT accept third-party shipping labels.
Shipping Charges Include:
• Packing and handling fees
• New shipping materials (boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts)
• Retail shipping rates based on package weight, dimensions, and destination
Important Notes:
• Shipping estimates can be provided before an auction closes upon request. Estimates will be based on a standard box size of 16"x16"x16" weighing 10 lbs. A valid shipping address is required to receive an estimate.
• Items will only be released after BOTH the auction invoice and shipping invoice have been paid in full
• Insurance coverage is required for all packages, as mandated by our insurance provider.
• No refunds or adjustments will be issued if shipping costs exceed your expectations.