Cathy MerrittI’ve always been drawn to unique finds—whether it’s rare collectibles or quirky memorabilia. I try to get my hands on them whenever I can. Sure, there’s eBay, but I still enjoy going the old-fashioned route: auction houses.
There’s something exciting about these places. You never know what cool treasures you might find, and the bidding process itself is such a thrill. Trying to win without blowing your budget is all part of the fun!
If you’re curious about collecting rare stuff as I am, I’ve put together a list of the best auction houses in Toronto to help you get started.
How much is the average buyer’s premium at auction houses in Toronto?
Most auction houses in Toronto charge a buyer’s premium of 15% of the hammer price.
However, this can vary depending on the auction house and the type of item being sold.
How We Chose
1. Royal Estate Auctions
Items offered: Fine art, jewellery, cars, rare coins, fossils, artifacts, and more
Address: 294 Wildcat Rd, North York
Phone number: +1 833-362-9243
Business hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (TUES)
One of my go-to auction houses is Royal Estate Auctions. They usually offer a wide range of items, but their rare coins are what I’m usually going for whenever I join one of their auctions.
The biggest thing I like about them is how easy they make the whole process. If you can’t attend an auction in person, you can place absentee bids or even pre-bid online. They also have this fancy virtual reality preview feature, which lets you take a detailed look at their items from your couch.
It’s also a good thing that they ship items worldwide, so even those outside of Toronto can participate in their auctions.
However, I’ve noticed that their buyer’s premiums are a bit steep, with their average being 20%. I also dislike that they don’t cover their items with warranties or guarantees.
My experience with Royal Estate Auctions was indeed exceptional
“My experience with Royal Estate Auctions was indeed exceptional. The lady attending was gracious, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable. All the items I received are spectacular and I need to highlight that photographing and the documenting of each item is exceptionally good. I highly recommend dealing with Royal Estate for their expertise and user friendly process! They have gained my trust.”
-Denis Collazo, Google Reviews
I don’t go anywhere else for my auction needs
“Great customer service and the best variety of comic books, sports cards, Pokemon cards along with gems, arts and even Vehicles. I don’t go anywhere else for my auction needs. Love buying from these guys as the service is always great!”
-Justin Allen, Google Reviews
2. Auction Mongers
Items offered: Electronics, clothing, household goods, furniture, and more
Address: 145 West Beaver Creek Rd Unit 2, Richmond Hill
Phone number: +1 289-554-9280
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Auction Mongers is an online auction platform that usually hosts their auctions on Sundays and Tuesdays every week. They typically feature a highly diverse range of items, including premium electronics, clothing, and household goods.
What’s cool is that they carry out their auctions via a proxy bidding system. You can set your maximum bid, and it’ll automatically bump up your offers in $5 increments until it hits your limit—no need to hover over your screen.
Plus, they’ve got this “Mongers Guarantee” that backs up their items to ensure they’re as described. If something doesn’t match the description, you can file a claim within 10 days, and they’ll issue a full refund.
However, it’s annoying that they require customers to pick up their items within a week of the auction date. Failure to do so will immediately result in the item being considered as a cancelled order.
Everything was exactly as I ordered
“I had a fantastic experience picking up my order at Mongers Warehouse.The process was seamless. I received a notification as soon as it was ready, and the pickup area was well-organized. The staff greeted me warmly and had my order ready within seconds. Everything was exactly as I ordered, and they even double-checked to make sure I was satisfied. Definitely one of the best pickup experiences I’ve had—thank you for the great service!”
-Tunde Ayo, Google Reviews
Auction Mongers always have an exciting auction
“Auction Mongers always have an exciting auction. I have been purchasing from them for a few years now. Their descriptions are accurate and answer questions put to the auctioneer in a timely manner. Invoices are emailed within hours of the auction closing. I have never had any issues bidding with this auction house.”
-Susan Denholm, Google Reviews
3. The Stock Room Auctions
Items offered: Electronics, home decor, tools, toys, collectibles, and more
Address: 301 Evans Ave., Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-207-9755
Business hours:
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-FRI)
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (SAT)
Another auction house I like checking out is The Stock Room Auctions, which is located in Etobicoke. I find it cool that they always have a diverse range of stuff on offer, including electronics, home decor, tools, toys, and even collectibles.
A key reason why I keep coming back here is how straightforward their system is. Unlike some other auction houses that tack on buyer’s premiums, what you bid is what you pay (plus tax, of course).
Additionally, they have this proxy bid option for online auctions where you can set your max bid, and the system handles the rest.
Another huge plus is their 30-day warranty on electronic and mechanical items. If you ever find any issues with an item you won, they’ll fix or replace it.
However, one minor issue I have is their location because they’re quite far from Toronto’s eastern suburbs.
Their system for bidding is very easy to use
“I have been buying products from The Stockroom for several months. Their system for bidding is very easy to use and the products are described accurately and always include their condition. They have a wide variety of items including electronics, apparel, beauty and sports equipment.
The staff is very pleasant and helpful and do everything possible to make sure you’re happy with your purchases.
I highly recommend The Stockroom for your buying needs.”
-Lesia Pimentel, Google Reviews
The company has been a pleasure to deal with
“The company has been a pleasure to deal with, and they have excellent customer service. I would recommend them to anyone looking to participate in the auctions or buy a product.”
-O W, Google Reviews
4. Corporate Assets Inc.
Items offered: Electrical equipment, aerospace tools, metalworking machines, pharmaceutical equipment, mining equipment, and more
Address: 373 Munster Ave, Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-962-9600
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
If you’re a business owner hunting for industrial equipment or machinery, check out Corporate Assets Inc. They assist companies in Toronto with asset appraisal and liquidation, so their auctions often feature specialized items like metalworking machines, aerospace tools, and pharmaceutical equipment.
One thing they’re good at is flexibility. You can join their auctions online in real time, which is good if you can’t make it in person. They also offer proxy bidding options, which let you keep bidding even when your schedule’s packed. Just fill out a form and leave a deposit, and you’re set.
Furthermore, they also offer financing options, so customers with tight budgets can still participate in their auctions.
That said, their focus is squarely on industrial assets, so you might want to explore other options if you’re looking for more variety.
The company is a pleasure to work with
“I have been purchasing tools for my business from corporate assets for a few years now, and the company is a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgeable, professional, and always have a great selection of auctions going on at any given time to choose from. I highly recommend using corporate assets whether you are in the market of purchasing good quality used tools and machinery, or in need of liquidating your own assets. The owner Ryan has been very helpful in answering questions related to the auctions, and really knows his stuff when it comes to the value and general information about any item that he auctions. 10/10 company and will definitely continue to use their services.”
-Damon Snider, Google Reviews
Always a good buying experience
“Purchased material from this auctioneer over many years and sales. Always a good buying experience.”
-Eric Unkauf, Google Reviews
5. Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers
Items offered: Asian art pieces, Canadian fine art pieces, First Nations art pieces, jewellery, watches, fine wines, and more
Address: 100 Broadview Ave Suite 200
Phone number: +1 416-504-9100
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
With a history that stretches back to 1850, Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers is one of the oldest auction houses in Toronto. Their expertise spans a wide range of categories, from fine art to wine and spirits, and even unique collectibles.
Quite similar to the others I’ve included on this list, their auction process is quite easy to join in. Their online auctions are straightforward, and if you can’t be online when it’s happening, they provide proxy and absentee bidding options.
Additionally, they have a mobile app (available on both the App Store and Play Store) that lets you track your auctions and bids while on the go.
That said, there’s one thing you should watch out for: their steep buyer’s premium. It’s usually around 25% of the hammer price, so you’ll want to factor that in if you’re bidding on a budget.
I have loved this auction house for so many years
“I have loved this auction house for so many years. Both my mother and myself have purchased multiple items from them and always been very pleased with their assistance, quality of items auctioned and overall experience. The best auction in Toronto.”
-Ali Shaygan, Google Reviews
A name you can trust to be upfront and honest
“In all my 30 years as a certified watchmaker, never ever have I been more impressed with this auction house and I have dealt with 100s and 100s over the years. Here is a name you can trust to be upfront and honest. I truly mean this and my name is on this.
Darlor Watch Restorations
Darryl A Lesser c.w.”
-Darryl, Google Reviews
