Hotlotz - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Auctions & Bidding

Can I withdraw a bid?

No. If you place a bid and you win you are legally responsible to pay for the item, even if you made the bid in error or changed your mind. We strongly advise you too view lots in person wherever possible as they are always sold 'As Is'.
Can I change a maximum bid?

Yes. You can reduce the maximum bid by entering the reduced amount in the box where you would normally place your bid. You just have to make sure that the reduced amount meets an increment and that it is more than or equal to the current bid.
Do you have a listing policy?

We usually list items for one auction only. If items are unsold we can offer them at a fixed price in the Hotlotz Marketplace.
Can I simultaneously list my item on other platforms?

No, your sales contract states that we will have exclusivity whilst an item is in auction or on sale in our Marketplace. If an item is discovered on sale elsewhere we will withdraw the item from sale and you will be invoiced for a withdrawal fee.

Collection & Shipping

Valuations & Consignment

Is requesting an appraisal from Hotlotz using the ‘Sell With Us’ service free?

Hotlotz is pleased to offer appraisals, including provisional auction estimates or Marketplace valuations, free of charge for items which we consider appropriate for sale at Hotlotz. We cannot unfortunately provide appraisals for items which are of a type or value that is typically not sold by us.
I have submitted items for review using the ‘Sell With Us’ service – when can I expect a reply from Hotlotz?

After submitting items for review using the ‘Sell With Us’ service you will receive an email to confirm we have received your request. Our appraisers will carefully review your submission, and, if your item is suitable for sale at Hotlotz, we will then provide an appraisal along with our recommendations on the best way to sell it. This process usually takes between one and two weeks. We will inform you within three working days if your item is not suitable for sale at Hotlotz.
I represent a family estate. What if I would like Hotlotz to appraise the many items within this estate?

Please send us an introductory email outlining your circumstances for our consideration. Appraisers with responsibility for special projects, including Private Collection & Estate Sales, will then contact you.
I have a large collection. What if I would like Hotlotz to appraise the many items within my collection?

Please send us an introductory email outlining your circumstances for our consideration. Appraisers with responsibility for special projects, including Private Collection & Estate Sales, will then contact you.
I would like to offer the partial or full contents of a property for sale. What if I would like Hotlotz to appraise them?

Please send us an introductory email outlining your circumstances for our consideration. Appraisers with responsibility for special projects, including Home Contents sales, will then contact you.
Can I withdraw an item from sale after I have approved my sales contract?

Yes, but you will be charged a withdrawal fee of $30 or 5% of the low estimate recorded in the sales contract, whichever is the higher amount. This fee will be invoiced and must be paid before you collect your item.

Marketplace

Miscellaneous

Technical Issues

I’m an existing member but my email/password is invalid. What do I do?

When we migrated to the new Hotlotz, we sent all existing customers a welcome email dated Saturday 14 November with a link to migrate your account. If you don’t see it in your inbox we recommend also checking your spam/junk folder. You just need to follow the instructions in this email. If you didn’t receive it, please email help@hotlotz.com with your full name (and paddle number if you recall it) and we will resend you the welcome email.
When I try to register for an auction or place a bid, I am presented with an ‘Invalid phone number format’ error. How do I fix this?

This error occurs when there is no number (or an invalid number) in your Hotlotz account. To check this visit this link (https://www.hotlotz.com/account/profile) and click ‘MANAGE’ under your personal details to edit them. If a phone number has been entered, sometimes re-entering the country code and number can fix the error. If you still receive the error after following the above steps, reach out to help@hotlotz.com.
I went went through the steps to reset my password but I can’t find the password reset email. What do I do?

Firstly, check your spam/junk folder as there is a good chance the email could end up there. If it isn’t there then you can send a request to help@hotlotz.com.
The Hotlotz app isn’t working. Why is this?

Since moving to the new Hotlotz platform, we have discontinued the app and have focused resources into the development of a fully mobile-responsive website. Just type hotlotz.com into your browser and it will resize to your device.
I have another technical issue. How can I receive further support?

Send your issue/question to help@hotlotz.com. Please include your phone number so our IT support can call you back.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Is Hotlotz a GST-registered business?

Yes, Hotlotz has been GST-registered in Singapore since January 2021. Our GST number is 201514698M
I want to bid on an item in auction on hotlotz.com. Is my bidding inclusive or exclusive of GST?

Under Singaporean law all GST-registered businesses must display and quote prices that are inclusive of GST. Accordingly all estimates, opening bids, bidding increments, closing bids (which are often referred to as the ‘Winning Bid’ or the ‘Hammer Price’) and Marketplace prices that are displayed on hotlotz.com or quoted in any correspondence are always inclusive of GST.
I’d like to sell an item by auction on hotlotz.com. Do I have to pay GST on Seller’s Commission?

Yes, you will be charged a GST inclusive Seller’s Commission on the closing bid (which is often referred to as the ‘Winning Bid’ or ‘Hammer Price’). Your Seller’s Commission rate will be discussed with you during the consignment process and will be documented and agreed in your Sales Contract.
I’d like to buy an item in auction on hotlotz.com. Do I have to pay GST on the Buyer’s Premium?

Yes, you will be charged a GST inclusive Buyer’s Premium of 25.68% w/GST (24% w/o GST) on the closing bid (often referred to as the ‘Winning Bid’ or ‘Hammer Price’).
I have bought an item in auction on hotlotz.com. I am not a Singaporean resident and I will be exporting the item. Do I still have to pay GST?

GST will be zero rated for buyers of goods bought in auction who are non-resident in Singapore, providing that Hotlotz manages the export process and the export is carried out within 60 days of the auction date. In any other export scenario GST will be applied. Buyers of goods bought in auction who have indicated in their Hotlotz account that their country of residence is not Singapore will be contacted after the sale by Hotlotz client services to discuss export of their goods.
Has Hotlotz increased its Buyer’s Premium fees as a result of GST registration?

Buyer’s Premium prior to GST-registration in January 2021 was set at 24% of the closing bid amount (often referred to as the ‘Winning Bid’ or ‘Hammer Price’). Under Singaporean law all GST-registered businesses must charge GST at a current rate of 7% and display and quote prices that are inclusive of GST. Hotlotz must therefore charge a GST inclusive Buyer’s Premium of 25.68% w/GST (24% w/o GST).
I want to buy an item in the Hotlotz Marketplace. Is the price quoted inclusive or exclusive of GST?

All prices quoted in the Hotlotz Marketplace are GST inclusive.
I have bought an item in the Hotlotz Marketplace. I am not a Singaporean resident and I am exporting the item. Do I still have to pay GST?

Yes, you will currently have to pay GST. Hotlotz is exploring participation in an electronic ‘Tourist Refund Scheme’ but this will not be put in place until international travel resumes. This will enable a tourist who makes a purchase from Hotlotz and departs with the goods from Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport, to be eligible to claim a GST refund under the scheme.