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United X Auctions – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

BIDDING GUIDE

How to Place a Bid

Participating in a United X auction is easy and intuitive. To get started, ensure the following:

  • You are logged into your United X account.
     

  • Your payment details are up to date and registered with your account.
     

  • Before placing any bid, review the lot details thoroughly – including bottle condition, provenance, and whether Buyer Protection Plus (BPP) is available for that lot.
     

You can bid in one of three ways:

  • Quick Bid: Instantly place the next minimum increment with a single click.
     

  • Proxy Bid: Enter the maximum price you're willing to pay. Our system will automatically bid incrementally up to your max.
     

  • Non-Proxy Bid: Place a manual bid for a specific amount higher than the current bid. No automatic bidding occurs.
     

You'll receive email alerts if you're outbid, and your dashboard will show updated lot status: “Winning” or “Outbid.”

 

Understanding Proxy Bidding

Proxy Bidding simplifies the process:

  • Enter your max bid.
     

  • The system only increases your bid in the smallest increments necessary to stay in the lead.
     

  • You never pay your full proxy bid unless needed.
     

Example:

  • You set a proxy bid of $100.
     

  • The current high bid is $80.
     

  • You win at $82 if no other bids come in.
     

  • A 17% Buyer’s Premium is added to all final prices.
     

 

Winning a Lot

  • When the auction ends, you’ll receive an email listing all your successful bids.
     

  • This is also reflected under the ‘My Bids’ section.
     

  • Your registered card is automatically charged (final bid + Buyer’s Premium).
     

  • If payment fails, you’ll have 72 hours to complete payment manually.
     

 

Buyer’s Premium Explained

  • A 15% Buyer’s Premium is added to the final hammer price of all lots.
     

Example:

  • Winning Bid: $100
     

  • Buyer’s Premium (17%): $15
     

  • Total Charged: $115
     

 

Buyer Protection Plus (BPP)

Buyer Protection Plus is an optional guarantee available only if offered on the individual lot at the time of auction and purchased at checkout.

When available and purchased, BPP covers:

  • Eligible faults (e.g., cork taint, oxidation) for wines under 25 years old.
     

  • Full or partial credit or replacement (subject to availability).
     

Exclusions:

  • Wines over 25 years of age.
     

  • Cosmetic flaws, taste preferences, or wines with <85% remaining.
     

  • Bottles gifted, sold, or used commercially.
     

Claims:

  • Must be made within 30 days of delivery.
     

  • Wine must be resealed and in its original packaging.
     

  • Contact: auctions@unitedcellars.com.au for claims.
     

If BPP is not offered or purchased, all auction purchases are final and sold "as-is."

 

SHIPPING INFORMATION

Delivery Services

We work with national carriers and our own courier:

  • Australia Post
     

  • Aramex
     

  • QuickShip (Sydney only): Our in-house delivery service operating Monday–Friday.
     

Shipping Charges (incl. GST, insurance & handling):

Region

1st Case

2nd Case

Each Additional Case

NSW

$14

$14

$10

ACT

$18

$18

$12

VIC

$18

$18

$12

QLD

$18

$18

$15

SA

$22

$22

$15

WA

$24

$24

$15

NT

$24

$24

$15

TAS

$24

$24

$15

One case = 12 x 750ml bottles.

Order Tracking

Once dispatched, you'll receive tracking info by email.

Can I Collect My Order?

We do not offer in-person collection at this time, must be sent via courier

 

RETURNS & REFUNDS

Can I Return an Auction Purchase?

  • All auction sales are final.
     

  • No returns unless Buyer Protection Plus was purchased and available for that specific lot.
     

We carefully vet provenance and bottle condition, but auction purchases remain Buyer Beware unless protected by BPP.

 

SELLING WITH UNITED X

Do You Purchase Wines from Private Cellars?

Yes. Contact us at valuations@unitedcellars.com.au for a free valuation.

Selling FAQs

  • Do I need to be a member to sell? Yes.
     

  • Is there a listing fee? No – listing is free.
     

  • Do I need to send wines to United X? Yes – for inspection, photography, and secure storage.
     

  • Is my wine insured in your custody? Yes.
     

  • Can I withdraw wines from auction? Yes, but only before the auction goes live.
     

  • What happens if my wine doesn’t sell? We relist it at no extra cost.
     

 

Still have questions? Reach us at auctions@unitedcellars.com.au or call 1300 226 835.