BUYING FROM CELLAR VAULT
JUMP TO FAQ’SBuying spirits online is simple, whether it’s for savoring your favorite whisky single malt or tequila or purely as an investment. Just a few clicks and you’re part of the action! We host exclusive online auctions every month, where you can bid from launch until the last day on a Sunday. Soft closing begins at 8pm. To prevent last-minute bidding wars and sniping, we extend the auction closing time by 10 minutes if a bid is placed within the final 10 minutes.
Before you immerse yourself in the excitement of buying spirits online, take a moment to review our Terms and Conditions. We know it’s not the most thrilling part, but sometimes the fine print can be worthwhile reading.
First time buying spirits online? Sign Up Here.
Explore our FAQ’s below, and if you still have questions, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!
WHY CHOOSE US
AUSTRALIAN BASED BUSINESS
We are an Australian-based business with boots on the ground here in Melbourne. Local pickup is available in the Melbourne region.
PURPOSE BUILT ACTION SITE
Our auction site is built using the most up-to-date auction software with the user experience at the forefront of what we do.
EXPERT HELP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Our team of experienced spirit vendors are here to answer any queries you may have around buying and selling using market data. Contact us today for a personalised valuation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I Need To Be Registered?
To participate in our auctions, you must first complete a registration process, which requires a one-time fee of $10 (GST included). After registering, you’ll be ready to place your bids. We recommend reviewing our terms and conditions along with the buying guide. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
How Do I Bid On A Lot?
When the auction goes live, browse the available lots and choose your desired bid amount from the dropdown menu. We use an incremental bidding system, so you only need to select your maximum bid. Ensure you have thoroughly examined the lot before bidding. By placing a bid, you confirm that you have reviewed the item and are satisfied with its condition. Remember, just like in traditional auction houses, all bids are final with no exceptions.
Are There Any Fees For The Buyers On Top Of The Hammer Price?
Yes, buyers are required to pay an additional 10% commission. The hammer price does not include GST. For information on shipping costs, long-term storage solutions, and Loss & Breakage liability cover, please refer to the delivery section. Overseas buyers should note that Cellar Vault does not cover local taxes, duties, or tariffs that may apply in the delivery country. For details on costs related to receiving whiskies and spirits, please contact your local Customs & Duty office.
When Do I Need To Pay By?
You must complete your payment within 3 days of the auction’s close to avoid a late payment fee. Any payments made after this period will incur an additional 3% fee on top of the order total.
How Do I Pay?
To make a payment, follow the link in the email you receive or log into your account and click on the payment link. Proceed through the straightforward checkout process, and the final page will display your payment options. We highly recommend opting for Loss & Breakage Insurance, which costs 2% plus GST of the hammer price plus commission. While we take great care in packaging and dispatching orders securely, courier companies do not assume liability for items lost or broken in transit. We accept the following payment methods:
- Card Payment Online: Follow the link on your screen to use our secure payment facility. We accept all major credit and debit cards, including American Express. Note that a merchant fee of 2% of the total invoice will be applied.
- Direct Bank Payment: Details can be found on your CellarVault Invoice.
When Is The End Of The Auction?
Auctions begin soft closing at 8pm on Sunday. If any bids are placed within the last 10 minutes, the auction will be extended by an additional 10 minutes. This process will repeat until no more bids are placed within the final 10 minutes.
What Countries Can You Ship To?
Shipping quotes are available upon request. We can ship worldwide using the EMS or DHL Express networks. For an average-sized whisky bottle and box, rough cost estimates are provided on our Shipping Page. Due to import regulations, we are currently unable to ship to Sweden, Italy, Poland, Croatia, Latvia, Spain, the USA, and Estonia. For countries not listed, please contact us for a quote.
Can I Collect My Bottles In Person?
You are welcome to collect your bottles in person. All bottles must be collected within 28 days of the auction’s end. Failure to do so may result in storage fees being applied to your account. Please ensure you bring your invoice and a photo ID for collection.
Can I Store My Bottles With You?
You can store your bottles in our dedicated controlled storage facility. The storage fee is $10 per bottle, and loss and breakage cover fees of 2% plus GST are mandatory. These fees must be paid for each 12-month storage period, and are not pro-rated. If you choose to ship your bottles within the 12-month period, the loss and breakage cover will still apply according to our customer service policy and terms and conditions. You can also re-enter your bottles into auction at any time while they are in storage, subject to our usual auction submission deadlines.
THE PROCESS
To buy spirits through Cellar Vault, first register an account and log in. Browse the live auctions, select a lot, and place your maximum bid. The system will allow you to bid incrementally. If you win, you’ll receive a notification. Complete the checkout process, choose your shipping option, and your bottle(s) will be delivered to you.
Additionally, ensure your payment details are accurate. Monitor the auction progress and adjust your bid as needed. Enjoy the convenience and excitement of our online spirits auctions.
SIGN UP NOWRegister An Account
Begin by signing up on the Cellar Vault website. Fill out the registration form with your details and verify your email address to create your account.
Browse Live Auctions
Once logged in, explore the current live auctions. Use the search filters to find specific types of spirits or brands that interest you.
Select A Lot
When you find a bottle of spirit that catches your eye, click on the lot to view more details, including the history, description, and images of the bottle.
Place Your Bid
Enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the lot and confirm your bid. The system will automatically place bids on your behalf up to your maximum amount.
Bid Incrementally
As the auction progresses, your bid will be increased incrementally against other bidders. You can monitor the auction and adjust your bid if desired.
Winning Notification
If your bid is the highest when the auction ends, you will receive an email notification confirming that you have won the lot.
Checkout
Complete the purchase by going through the checkout process. Ensure your payment details are correct and confirm your order.
Choose Shipping & Insurance
Select your preferred delivery option. Add insurance particularly for higher-value bottles.
Receive Whisky
Your bottle(s) will be carefully packaged and shipped to your chosen location. You will receive a tracking number to monitor the delivery status.
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