Bargain Moose

If you’re a big fan of the show Storage Wars, you might be able to live vicariously through the idea of participating in an auction by going to a police auction.  Unbeknownst to much of the public, shopping at police auctions can be a great way to save money, especially for big ticket items that you have had your eye on for awhile.

Some big ticket items that are usually sold at police auctions include road bikes, jewellery, other sports equipment, and even cars.  If you have ever wondered where the goods that are seized by the police enforcement go, look no further as they usually end up at the police auction.  These goods are also things that have been lost and haven’t been claimed,or have been stolen.

Police auctions are usually available in major municipalities, and are usually held once a year.  They are very popular, especially in Vancouver where your bicycle will more likely than not be stolen.  They are great if you’re interested in used merchandise at the fraction of the cost (source: Yahoo).

How You Save Money at Police Auctions

Infobarrel suggests that you contact your local police station and ask when the police auctions are held (this can easily be Googled too, if you live in a major city).  Some people drive dozens to hundreds of kilometres to get to the police auction.  Bring identification with you and bring your researched want-list with you.  Be prepared to be there for awhile and wear some good walking shoes.  Be prepared to know how long you will stay as otherwise, you may just be tempted to buy everything and then get carried away.

Best Bang for your Buck Items

•  Bikes (for example, the maximum price that was spent on a bike at the most recent auction in Vancouver was just under $1000)
• Electronics
• Jewellery (An $8000 appraised diamond and gold ring sold for $1700 at the aforementioned Vancouver auction)
• Cars
• Collector coins (even a gold bar!)

Tips to Make your Auction a Success

According to wikispaces, some tips to make your auction a success are to begin early at the auction, do your research (know the market value of what you want to buy and know how much you’re willing to spend on it).  Also, make sure to cross check the information you get of the item you’re interested in buying, and most importantly, know the rules for buying a big ticket item like a car at the auction.

Opt for a Police Auction Online

If you live too far away from a police auction or you want an item that isn’t found at your local police auction, a few municipality police stations in the East have joined forces and created a police auction website.  It is called Police Auctions Canada and is composed of auctionable goods from law enforcement agencies in Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, and Barrie, to name a few.  Some things that they have on auction are new in the box Apple Macbook Pros, Apple iPhone 5′s, jewellery, and road bikes.  It’s basically like eBay except that you’re buying from the police.  Also, it’s different from a conventional police auction because it’s held online and goods are for sale 365 days of the year instead of just one day of the year.  The proceeds from the Police Auctions Canada website go to support community projects in the area.

Police auctions are a great way to save money on some big ticket items, especially if you don’t mind used goods and are in the market for getting more bang for your buck.  All you need to do is to bring some identification and to do thorough research on the items that you are interested in before you go.  Most importantly, make sure you know your end-point or maximum bid.  The last thing you want to do is buy something for the sake of outbidding someone, even though it isn’t that great of a deal.  The great thing about going to a police auction is you that you never know what you’re going to get when you go there.

Bargainmoosers, have you been to a police auction before?  If so, what did you buy there?

Statistics show that if you own a smartphone or tablet, it’s more likely to be a Samsung or iPhone than anything else. Get a case for your super popular phone at Black’s Canada!

 Click here to get your new phone case @ Blacks.ca

• Coupon Code: GIFTS4DAD25
• Discount: 25% Off Samsung, iPhone and iPad Cases
• Expiry: 16th June 2013

Samsung and Apple are the kings of mobile devices. They make the best, they sell the most. There is a problem with both of these phones though: they’re fragile. They’re fragile in different ways though. Samsung phones are fragile like knee pads are fragile. If you fall, the knee pads are going to get scratched up. They still work and if you don’t like that they are scratched, you buy a new one. If your Samsung phone gets scratched, it’s probably going to be on the removable plastic back. You can buy a new one and toss the old one. The iPhone is like a diamond. It’s pretty but if you damage it you need to buy a new diamond. You can’t just replace a part for a few bucks. Same thing for iPads but to a lesser extent.

But regardless of which phone you have, you should protect it. Black’s has tons of great cases and they are all 25% off with the coupon code above! For more deals from Black’s check out our Black’s Coupon Codes!

Shipping varies, depending on your location.

Do you have kneepads or a diamond? Is that the weirdest way to represent phones? Find out next week! … or in the comments. Yeah, leave a comment below!

Once again, Bargainmoose is gracing your presence with an exclusive coupon code. This time it is for Buytopia, with an additional 10% off tons of already crazily reduced deals.

Click here to shop @ Buytopia.ca

• Coupon Code: MOOSE10
• Discount: 10% Off
• Expiry: 23rd May 2013

I know a great deal when I see it, so when something is already reduced over $500, plus I get another 10% off of that, I’m going to take a second and third look.

Check out this 13-piece stainless steel Muller cookware set. Regularly $699, reduced to $149, but you’ll get it for only $134.10 when you add the promo code.

If you haven’t heard of this cookware, it is because it is one of Europe’s finest. Saving both time and energy this cookware has a thermal sandwich base, which gives off fast and even heat distribution. You can use it on any type of cooking surface and you don’t need much fat or water to cook. The stackable cooking units let you cook more than one dish at a time and the best part is that these pots and pans are easy to clean. They also have dripless rims for ease of pouring and stay cool handles so you don’t burn yourself taking it off the burner. The temperature gauge on the lid lets you cook effortlessly.

RW & Co. Canada has all men’s and ladies shirts on sale for buy one, get one 50% off right now (excluding prices ending in $0.95).

• Click here to shop @ RW-Co.com

Put away the long sleeves, t-shirt time is here!

I’m loving this flower print tank, which would look amazing with jeans or shorts. $25.50

Add this 3/4 sleeve striped t-shirt in nantucket shore, which would look great on a boating trip and get it for only $12.75, regularly $25.50.

Oh how I love dip dye, and this men’s ombre dip dye henley t-shirt is smoking hot! $32.50

This short sleeved “hotel” graphic t-shirt is utter casualness. Get it with the other top for only $13.25, regularly $26.50.

Shipping is a flat-rate of $7.50, so shop as much as you’d like!

(Expiry: 24th May 2013)

With another exclusive for Bargainmoosers, we happily present this Robeez promo code for $10 off  your $50 purchase.

Click here to shop @ Myrobeez.ca

• Coupon Code: MOOSE
• Discount: $10 off $50
• Expiry: 16th June 2013

Robeez shoes are perfect for spring and summer. With soft soles, they make it easy for little ones to navigate their way around, while able to feel the ground beneath them. It also helps foster foot development, as feet aren’t stuck in rigid, tight shoes. And for non-walkers the great advantage to Robeez soft-soled shoes is that they keep the little one from pulling their socks off! All of my kids have worn Robeez and in fact, I’m saving all of their first Robeez as a keepsake to give them when they grow up.

There are so many cute designs, it is almost impossible to pick.

I’m totally in love with these modern bugs in a camo pattern. Now on sale for $21.49, regularly $27

How cute are these flower girl soft soles with an actual 3-D flower? $27.

Get some socks to take you over that $50 limit, like this 3 pack of modern bugs, now only $9.59, regularly $12.

You’ll pay only $49.08 for everything, regularly $66. You’ll also get free shipping because you spent $50.

The Bargainmoose forum has lots of exclusive coupons, like these ones for Robeez.

Get $25 off a gift card at least $100 at Bed and Breakfast.com with promo code.

Click here to shop @ Bedandbreakfast.com

• Coupon Code: GCMAY25
• Discount: $25 Off
• Expiry: 31st May 2013

A gift card from Bed and Breakfast would make an amazing wedding or wedding shower gift. Even if the bride and groom have a pre-determined honeymoon, most new couples are broke for the first year of their marriage after paying for said wedding and honeymoon. They could save this gift card for a little getaway when the first year of marriage stresses get to be a little much. It would also be a great before wedding getaway, for a bride and her mom or her friends. Either way, this is a gift card I wouldn’t sneeze at.

Simply click on the The Gift of a Getaway and choose your pre-designed card or upload your own photo. Enter the email address for it to be delivered to free of charge or the address if it will be shipped (a charge will apply) and your personal greeting. Choose your denomination and at checkout add the coupon code to see you save $25. If you are spending more than $100, I’d suggest doing another purchase to save even more money.

This would be great to receive the morning of the couple’s wedding as you can set the date to whenever you’d like them to receive it. There are over 4000 inns and bed and breakfasts in Canada and the U.S. to choose from.

Before you buy, be sure to check the Bargainmoose forum for other Bed and Breakfast coupons that might as be great.

Get $50 off the Kobo Arc 64GB 7″ LCD reader right now at Chapters, regularly $299.99, now only $249.99. This is the best price I could find it at any Canadian online retailer.

• Click here to shop @ Chapters.ca

Oh, how I would love a tablet. You can do literally everything on the Kobo Arc tablet, including watching videos, reading books, listening to music and audio books and playing video games. The large 7″ screen is a 1200×800 colour touchscreen with an Android 4.0 operating system. It works wonderfully with Kobo eBooks, which gives you thousands of reading choices for kids and adults.

A dual core processor allows web surfing and video conferencing with ease. Kobo has an exclusive Tapestries interface, which sounds just like Pinterest, but then Kobo Arc will suggest content that reflects your tastes and interests based on what you’ve pinned. Imagine, something that knows what you want!

With a four-star rating, the Kobo Arc has good reviews.

Chapters offers free shipping on this item.

(Expiry: Unknown)

Hockey season is almost over but training never is. Train better with a slide board from HockeyShot Canada.

Click here to get your slide board @ HockeyShot.ca

• Coupon Code: HSSLIDE15
• Discount: 15% off slide boards
• Expiry: 24th May 2013

I started writing a bit of info on the slide board but then I saw this video and I thought it really did a better job than I  was doing so here it is.

Just on a side note, this guy is really good. Maybe it’s because I’m not an athlete but he seemed like he knew what he was doing. If you don’t wanna watch the video basically a slide board is a board (yep) that you can slide on (uh-huh) from side to side to simulate skating. It helps exercise your legs and get used to the lateral motions you need to make while skating. The video showed this guy using the slide board in conjunction with a stick handling practice pad and a net to add another level to his stick handling and shooting practice.

Shipping varies on what you get and where you live but expect to pay around $30 for standard shipping.

Check out our Hockey Shot Canada Coupon Code page for more deals!

Do yo have one of these? Want one of these? What do you use to practice skating off season? Let us know in the comments below!

Amazon Canada has the Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP digital SLR camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5 – 5.6 DC III zoom lens on for only $393.87, regularly $529.99. I price compared and could not find this camera for less than $400 at comparable Canadian retailers.

• Click here to shop @ Amazon.ca

If I had $400 right now, I would hands down by this camera. I’ve had my Nikon DSLR for over eight years now and I definitely see a difference in photo quality with the newer cameras. This camera has high image quality and speed with its DIGIC 4 Image Processor. You have the option of shooting from as low as 100 ISO all the way up to 6400 ISO. There is a built-in flash and an enhanced metering system.

This reliable DSLR with 9-point AF system has high precision and can be worked in many different modes. HD movies are a breeze and look good when shot with this camera.

The reviews are extremely favourable for this system, with over 40 reviewers giving it the highest rating. Like I said, I’d buy this today if I had the money, but I’m going to save up and watch for a sale like this again. Hey, maybe Dad would like something like this?

Get free super saver shipping from Amazon for this purchase.

(Expiry: Unknown)

Teambuy Canada has a pack of ten ladies seamless tank tops for only $24. That’s $2.40 a top! The regular value is $75.

• Click here to get this deal @ Teambuy.ca

I like this deal because these are great tops to wear to the gym and the price is definitely right. You’ll get an array of colours, which adds some fun to your wardrobe, in a soft ribbed fabric. Not just for the gym, you can wear these all summer or layer them under sweaters in the winter. These are very versatile tops. You’ll get a random assortment of these colours: Red, Lime, White, Black, Yellow, Royal, Orange, Hot Pink, Khaki or Light Blue.

You can buy unlimited vouchers, so get as many tops as you’d like, and the vouchers never expire. Tax is included and shipping is $5.

(Expiry: 23rd May 2013)

We’ve got a brand new Exclusive promo code for Art.com that will save you 25% on all orders of art, prints, posters, fine art, and more!

Click here to find something snazzy for your wall @ Art.com

• Coupon Code: MOOSEART
• Discount: 25% Off
• Expiry: 24th May 2013

I love art. Let’s just get that out of the way. I love to paint, and looking through the endless selection at Art.com really inspires me. So many ideas come to mind, and as soon as I’m done this post, I’m going to go pick up some blank canvases and see what happens!

One of the neat features on this website is that you can Shop by Room. If you just finished doing some renovations, and think that it’s time for something new to be hanging on the living room wall, Art.com will give you some ideas.

I think Vincent van Gogh is amazing. The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night, c.1888 is my absolute favourite. There is something about the colours that catches your attention and makes you stop and daydream. This print ranges anywhere from $12.99 to $249.99, depending on what size you are looking for, and whether you want it as an art print or on stretched canvas.  I think the 69 x 99 cm print would be an ideal size for an average sized wall. Regularly priced at $37,99, after you add the coupon code, the price drops to just $28.49.

Shipping depends on what you buy, and how quickly you would like it delivered.

Be sure to keep your eye on the Art.com coupon page, for all of the latest coupons available for you to use before you shop.

Sportchek Canada has 25% off all Firefly, Powder Room, and Ripzone apparel and swimwear on right now.

• Click here to shop @ Sportchek.ca

These two cool brands are on sale, so its a great time to stock up on your summer wardrobe essentials. The prices shown are the discounted price.

Check out these Ripzone fader swim shorts for men, now only $22.49. They look great and are functional and quick-drying for slipping from the beach to your car in no time.

I love the look of this Firefly Holly bandeaux bikini two piece swimsuit in two contrasting colours. Now only $26.24.

This Firefly Jeff cargo rain jacket for kids is a must-have for rainy days and nights. Buy a size larger so it fits in the fall. Now only $44.99.

Get free shipping on all orders over $99.

(Expiry: Unknown)

Time to get those balls back on the links! Bargainmoose has an exclusive 10% off coupon for all used, recycled or refinished golf balls from Knetgolf.

Click here to shop @ Knetgolf.com

• Coupon Code: BM10
• Discount: 10% off
• Expiry: 31st December 2013

If you are an avid golfer, you might go through quite a few balls. This coupon code is great for someone who wants a stockpile of balls and doesn’t mind that they’ve been previously used. What’s great about a pre-owned golf ball is first off, that it is much cheaper than new. Second, it helps the environment by saving the plastic and metal used in the ball from going to the dump. The performance of already used balls is completely the same and Knetgolf uses the same independent testing on these balls as on new balls.

They carry all the brands you already trust like Titleist, Nike and Taylor Made.

Check out these Pinnacle Gold used balls, which retail new at $16.99 a dozen. Knetgolf sells them for $6.99 a dozen used, but you’ll get them for only $6.30 with our coupon code.

Shipping is free when you spend over $129.

Don’t forget to check the Bargainmoose forum where we have lots of coupons like this one for Knetgolf.

Get functional and great looking seating for your outdoor spaces at Shop.ca, with 20% off the Cedar Adirondack chair.

• Click here to shop @ Shop.ca

I have a chair very similar to this on my front porch and I can honestly say it is one of my favourite places to sit with a drink and a book.

Get the cedar adirondack chair for only $146, regularly $182.50. Cedar is great looking and very durable and this chair is no exception.

For added comfort, get the cedar adirondack chair with blue cushion, now only $339, regularly $393.

And if you really love it, get the whole set with two chairs and a table, now only $349, regularly $436.25.

Get free shipping on all of these items!

Make sure to check the Bargainmoose forum for any Shop.ca coupons before you order.

(Expiry: Unknown)

Take a walk on the wild side and get up to 50% off wine accessories from Chapters.

• Click here to shop @ Chapters.indigo.ca

For a refined way of drinking wine, check out this Blade decanting pourer, which provides proper aeration for your wine. Now only $15, regularly $26.50.

Another take on aeration is to use a wine breather, a bottle that you pour the wine into and can directly serve from. Regularly $55, now only $30.

Of course you have to open the bottle of wine first and this Bilame opener keeps the cork intact, because who likes pulling tiny pieces of cork out of a vintage? Regularly $20, now only $10.

Shipping is free from Chapters on orders over $25.

(Expiry: Unknown)