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United X Auctions – Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: 17th December 2025

 

Governing Entity: United Cellars Pty Ltd (ACN 95 111 797 623) trading as United X

These Terms and Conditions apply to auctions conducted via the United X website and, where appropriate, via live auction. They apply to the extent not already covered in the Standard Terms and Conditions of United Cellars. If there is any inconsistency, these terms prevail.

1. Registration and Eligibility

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old (or the legal drinking age in your jurisdiction). Proof of identity and age may be required.

  • Account: You must create an account with accurate personal or business information. You must maintain the security of your login details. United X is entitled to rely on any bid made through your account.

  • Refusal: United X reserves the right to refuse registration or request financial references.

2. Bidding Process

  • Binding Contract: By bidding, you make an irrevocable offer to buy the Lot at the price bid.

  • AutoBid: United X uses AutoBid technology. Bids are posted when they are at least AUD $1 more than the next highest bidder, based on variable increments.

  • Highest Bidder: Subject to any Reserve, the highest bidder at the close of the auction shall be the Buyer.

  • Disputes: Any dispute shall be settled by the Auctioneer, who may re-open bidding or withdraw the Lot at their absolute discretion.

  • Vendor Bidding: Sellers are prohibited from bidding on their own Goods, though they may bid on other Lots.

3. Payment Terms

  • Timeline: Payment must be completed within 72 hours of auction close.

  • Methods: Payment is accepted via Visa/MasterCard/Amex (1% surcharge applies) or Bank Transfer.

  • Buyer’s Premium: A Buyer’s Premium (inclusive of GST) applies to the Hammer Price. The specific rate is 17% unless otherwise published or agreed in writing.

  • Non-Payment: If payment is not received, United X may forfeit the lot, resell it, and charge the defaulting Buyer for any shortfall and costs.

4. Buyer Protection Plus (BPP)

If a Buyer purchases "Buyer Protection Plus," United X warrants to provide a credit or replacement under the following terms:

  • Eligibility: The Buyer must notify United X and return the product within 30 days of purchase.

  • Conditions:

  • The product must contain at least 85% of the original volume.

  • The product must be sealed/safe for return.

  • The Buyer must not have sold or gifted the item.

  • Scope: Covers "Eligible Faults" (e.g., cork taint). Excludes: Change of mind, cosmetic damage, heat damage, or products purchased for resale/commercial use.

  • Resolution: United X will assess the product within 15 Business Days of receipt.

5. Fulfilment: Delivery & Storage

5.1 Delivery

  • Timing: United X can hold goods for up to 21 days to consolidate shipping. After 21 days, storage fees apply.

  • Risk: Risk passes to the Buyer once goods leave United X premises, unless "Delivery Guarantee" is purchased.

  • Heat Policy: United X may hold delivery during hot weather but is not liable for heat damage unless the Delivery Guarantee is active.

5.2 Buyer Storage Fees (Post-Auction)

  • Wines purchased at auction can be stored in our temperature-controlled facility.

  • Fee: $0.40 per bottle, per month (AUD, incl. GST).

  • Billing: Charged on the 21st of each month for items not shipped.

  • Abandonment: Items stored >12 months without payment may be considered abandoned.

 

6. Vendor Consignment Terms & Rollover Policy

The following terms apply to Vendors selling wine via United X.

6.1 Engagement & Warranty

The Vendor warrants that it is the unencumbered owner of the goods detailed on the Vendor Receipt and engages United X to sell them. The Vendor indemnifies United X against claims regarding title or provenance.

6.2 Fees & Reserves

  • Lot Fee: $2.75 per Lot (payable by Vendor).

  • Commission: The Vendor agrees to pay the Lot commission specified on the Vendor Receipt, calculated on the sale price.

  • Minimums: United X will not allow a Vendor Reserve on any lot with an Estimate below $20, unless it is part of a large quantity consignment.

  • Mixed Lots: United X reserves the right to create Mixed Lots with relatively low value goods so that the Lot value exceeds $25.

6.3 Rollover Policy

The Vendor acknowledges that they understand and agree to this Rollover Policy. This means that any unsold Lot/s from one auction will automatically be rolled over into the next auction.

The Vendor understands and agrees that the Reserve price of all Lots being Rolled over shall have the Reserve price reduced on the following schedule:

  • Rollover 1: At the United X Auto Reserve (90% of United X Estimate) or less by mutual agreement.

  • Rollover 2: 12.5% by Less than Auto Reserve or Less by mutual agreement.

  • Rollover 3: 27.5% less than Auto Reserve Next lowest bidding increment or less by mutual agreement.

  • Rollover 4: Base Reserve (which is 25% of the United X Auto Reserve) or less by mutual agreement.

  • Rollover 5: No Reserve (which means that the Lot can be sold to the highest Bidder for any valid Bid of $0.25 or more).

6.4 Unsold Goods & Penalty Storage

United X is committed to achieving the best price possible on behalf of the Vendor; however, should any goods remain unsold after Rollover 5:

  • Collection: The Vendor must collect all unsold goods no later than 10 days after the auction close.

  • Penalty Storage Fees: Failing collection, the Vendor agrees to pay storage and handling charges to United X at the rate of $5.50 per case or partial case for the first month plus $2.75 per case or partial case per month or part thereof, thereafter.

  • Release: The storage and handling charges must be paid prior to the goods being released.

6.5 Withdrawal

The Vendor may withdraw any or all unsold wine in person at any point after the close of an auction and before the Wine Submission deadline for the next auction. The Vendor must instruct United X (in writing if not collecting the goods in person) to withdraw and collect any/all unsold goods once they have been entered into an auction.

 

7. Product Condition & Descriptions

  • As-Is: All Lots are sold "as-is". United X makes no warranty regarding drinkability, particularly for older vintages, unless covered by BPP.

  • Images: Images are for guidance only and may not reveal all imperfections.

  • Condition Codes: The following codes are used in catalogues to describe ullage and labels:

Code

Definition

Description

BN

Base Neck

Ullage for Burgundy/Riesling bottles.

VTS

Very Top of Shoulder

Ullage approx. 2cm from cork.

VHS

Very High Shoulder

Ullage approx. 3cm from cork.

HS

High Shoulder

Ullage approx. 4cm from cork.

MS

Mid Shoulder

Ullage approx. 5cm from cork.

LS

Low Shoulder

Ullage approx. 6cm from cork.

MLD / DL

Minor / Damaged Label

Scuffs, tears, or staining.

DC / TC

Damaged / Torn Capsule

Corrosion or tearing.

SS / SLC

Signs of Seepage / Leaky

Past or current leakage.

8. Liability & Risk

  • Transfer of Risk: Risk passes to the Buyer upon the fall of the hammer or conclusion of the auction.

  • Exclusion: Neither United X nor the Seller is liable for any loss or damage after the auction unless caused by the direct negligence or wilful misconduct of United X.

  • Limit: Liability is limited to the Hammer Price of the Goods.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.

 

10. Contact Us

United X Auctions

Email: auctions@unitedcellars.com.au

Phone: 02 8915 5333

Website: https://www.unitedx.com.au/