Terms & Conditions
Terms of Sale
All bidders are required to read the Terms and Conditions of the Sale before bidding with Good Bottle Auctions LLC aka Good Bottle Auctions collectively referred to below as “GBA”. Those who bid are bound by these Terms and Conditions of the Sale, as amended by any oral announcement, published or posted notices, which together form the contract of the sale between the successful bidder “buyer”, “GBA” and seller “consignor” of the lot.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS: When bidding on any lot offered by GBA, the bidder indicates acceptance of the following Terms of Sale. Any participation in the auction binds the bidder to agreement of these terms whether or not buyer has read or understood said terms. The terms in writing contained herein are subject to change without notice and bidder agrees that the most recently published Terms of Sale as published or amended on the website at the beginning of the auction shall apply.
BIDDER ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION: Buyers warrant that they are at least age 21 and possess a valid photo ID. Buyers are required to provide a verifiable address of residence, phone number, and email in writing at least 48 hours prior to auction date. It is the bidder’s responsibility to take buyers premium, shipping, and insurance costs into consideration when bidding on items. It is the buyers responsibility to personally inspect auction items, or request condition reports and detailed questions prior to bidding.
TITLE: Title to all merchandise shall pass to the highest bidder at the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer. The buyer will then assume all risk and full responsibility of the lot purchased once ownership has changed. GBA recommends that buyers arrange insurance for all items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder. Title transfer will physically occur at GBA’s location in Connecticut.
BUYER’S PREMIUM: A buyers premium will be added to all successful bids and is payable by the buyer as part of the total purchase cost. Base buyers premium (phone, live in-person and in-house absentee) of 18% applies to phone and direct absentee bidding. This is the lowest buyers premium offered, and all absentee bids must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to auction time. Buyers premium for bidding through all third-party online platforms is 23 %.
Buyers premium is non-negotiable.
LIMITED GUARANTEE: GBA makes every effort to accurately describe all items offered in its sales. The descriptions and condition reports carry a limited guarantee. It is a guarantee to protect the buyer against errors in descriptive fact and major discrepancies that would have a significant effect upon the value of the item. This limited guarantee covers the following:
DESCRIPTIVE FACTS: Producer, variety, age, categories, sub categories, special releases, written age statements, batch numbers, limited editions, major restoration, modification, counterfeits, or reproductions.
CONDITION DISCREPANCIES: It is the bidder’s responsibility (present, online, or absentee bidders) to determine by inspection by themselves (or a hired professional) the exact condition of each item prior to bidding on the item. GBA makes every effort to follow the commonly accepted and current condition guidelines for grading quality of bottles. Condition reports are the opinion of GBA and represent the observations of the cataloger.
BIDDERS RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the bidder’s responsibility to initiate contact with GBA in request for additional information regarding any lot. Submit all questions regarding upcoming auction items at least 48 hours prior to the date of auction. GBA will make every effort to answer all submitted questions in a timely manner. In-Person Bidders must examine all items prior to purchase and again upon receipt. Any discrepancies must be noted prior to leaving the facility. If bidding via absentee or online, then it is the bidders responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is the buyers responsibility to contact us within 14 days of auction end. The limited guarantee is null and void 28 days after the auction date (NOT THE DATE OF RECEIPT). If a buyer receives items later than the stated 28 days through action or inaction on their part, the buyer is disqualified from any guarantee. Under no circumstances will GBA be responsible for lost profits or other financial damage. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same state and condition as received. Returned items that are modified, damaged, or mishandled void all guarantees.
LIMITATIONS: The limited guarantee covers major discrepancies in condition reports, such as error in fact or visible defects. This limited guarantee is only available to the buyer of record. Please refer to POST SALE RETURN POLICY. Except as stated in the limited guarantee above, GBA will not be held responsible for typographical errors or errors of omission. This limited guarantee does NOT cover the contents of any bottle in any way, imperfections, slight damages, handling marks, natural imperfections, undisclosed minor blemishes, opinions of flavor, unverifiable age, and other similar differences that are inherent in the alcoholic beverages offered for sale. This guarantee does not cover shipping damage or loss in any way. GBA will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing, legal, or any other post auction costs.
AS-IS: Auction lots and items offered with the designation “AS-IS”, “Poor condition”,or “unknown storage” are offered without guarantee, all sales are final and sold without refund or buyer recourse at the complete risk to the buyer.
POST SALE RETURN AND REFUND POLICY: If a major description or condition discrepancy is discovered within 28 calendar days of the auction, a buyer may submit a request in writing for a full refund under the following conditions: The request for refund must be received in writing before the end of the 28th day. The auction lot in question must be received by GBA within 3 days of the request for return and refund. After receipt of the lot in question, GBA will perform an evaluation, and determine the validity of the request. If a return and refund is granted, GBA will notify the buyer within 7 calendar days of receipt. GBA does not offer adjustments or partial refunds. Refunds are only given for the total hammer price, and restocking fees up to the total amount of buyers premium may apply. Accepted refunds are paid only by paper check, and submitted to the buyer 30 days after receipt of items.
STORAGE: GBA offers 60 days of complimentary storage starting from the date of auction. Spirits remaining at GBA longer than 60 days will be charged storage fees of $10.00 per bottle, per month. Items held at GBA because of extreme weather conditions do not incur storage fees after 60 days, but complimentary storage is limited to a total of six (6) months regardless of weather conditions or shipping limitations. After 6 months, items left at GBA without prior written arrangements made or completed are subject to being resold at auction with no compensation to the original buyer.
PICK UP: Must be arranged directly by appointment and confirmed by GBA staff. “Walk-ins” or unscheduled pick ups may not be accommodated and buyers or their agents may be asked to return for a scheduled appointment. GBA is typically available Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm with exceptions. No merchandise will be released without the invoice being paid in full. Any buyer utilizing a courier or third party must authorize GBA in writing prior to making an appointment for pickup.
SHIPPING: GBA will arrange shipping on behalf of a buyer for the buyer of record. Bidders requesting shipping thereby appoint a common carrier and arrange for transportation on your behalf for the delivery of alcoholic beverages and any other purchased merchandise to you. By making use of this service from GBA, you are representing you are acting in agreement with your local and State laws regarding the purchase, transportation, and delivery of alcoholic beverages. Accordingly, we make no representations or warranties concerning the legal requirements of shipping alcoholic beverages to your State; our website merely provides a list of those states where common carriers have indicated their willingness to deliver alcohol. As such, you understand and acknowledge you are accountable and liable for compliance with all laws concerning such shipments to your state, and you further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Good Bottle Auctions, its agents, officers, directors, shareholders, and employees, from any and all claims, demands, damages, liability whatsoever, whether in tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of the shipment of alcoholic beverages to your State, including any and all claims that such shipment may violate any federal, state, or local regulation pertaining to the sale and shipment of alcoholic beverages. The customer is solely responsible for the shipment of alcohol and must abide by their local and state laws.
PROHIBITED STATES: GBA Does not arrange shipping to the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Rhode Island, and Utah.
WEATHER: GBA does not recommend shipping spirits in temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) or above 80°F (27°C). Temperatures outside this range may damage spirits. It is recommended that shipping be delayed or pick up arranged during season that will cause exposure to high temperatures, i.e. summer months.
SHIPPING LAWS: You are responsible for abiding by all federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations of your locality pertaining to the receipt of alcoholic beverages from out of state. You additionally represent you have obtained any required permission, paid any required fees, are working through properly licensed intermediaries where required, and are legally entitled to take possession of the alcoholic beverages. You further represent you are legally entitled to take possession of the quantities ordered, and that you and the person accepting delivery of the alcoholic beverages are at least 21 years of age.
CHANGE IN SHIPPING LAWS: Following the placement of any order, and prior to the goods being shipped, in the event the laws of your State change so as to make it illegal for you to import alcoholic beverages into your State, GBA will resell your items, provided however, you have submitted proof to Good Bottle Auctions, and its counsel, of regulations pertaining to such law changes. All returns must be made in accordance with Connecticut law and returns across state lines are not permitted.
LOST SHIPMENTS: Good Bottle Auctions is not responsible for any lost shipments or stolen packages, including but not limited to packages lost because of hold requests or delivery rescheduling.
ADDRESS: GBA is not responsible for incorrect shipping addresses. Buyers must verify the shipping address listed on their invoice prior to shipment. Once an order is placed, any address change request must be made promptly. Good Bottle Auctions will make a good faith effort to accommodate such requests but makes no guarantee such address change can be accomplished. All fees and costs associated with an address change request will be passed to the buyer of record.
FAILED DELIVERY ATTEMPTS: If you fail to receive your order after the allocated number of attempts of delivery under the shipping agency’s policies, and the product is sent back to Good Bottle Auctions, a twenty percent (20%) restocking fee will be deducted from your refund. Shipping costs will not be refunded. If the package is returned to Good Bottle Auctions damaged because of failed delivery attempts or refusal of delivery, you are responsible for the full cost of the order. If the package is returned to Good Bottle Auctions damaged because of failed delivery attempts or refusal of delivery, you are responsible for the full cost of the order.
DAMAGED GOODS: While Good Bottle Auctions takes every precaution to ensure your order is packaged properly and arrives safely. All orders are shipped in durable boxes and packaged with layers of foam cushioning to protect the bottles. Orders that include original packaging from the manufacturer or contain non-conventional shaped bottles may be packed differently, but securely in Good Bottle Auctions’ sound business judgment. During times of extreme weather conditions, you are responsible for notifying Good Bottle Auctions of any special request to hold and postpone your order. Spillage, minor damage and/or cosmetic defects are all possible to occur during transit. Good Bottle Auctions does not take responsibility for any damage. Due to the nature of glass bottles and Decanters, GBA at our sole discretion, may require an item to be “PICK UP ONLY”
INSURANCE: Insurance for alcoholic beverages is offered 1% of invoice total. Insurance is at buyers request and cost. Insurance may be required for invoices over $2,500.
OVERSIZE: Certain auction items exceed standard shipping fees and may require oversized and heavy shipping surcharges. Every effort is made to note these charges prior to catalog publication but may be included on a buyers invoice post auction without notice.
INTERNATIONAL: Internal shipping is offered where available and on a case-by-case basis. Please contact GBA 48 hours prior to the auction to make arrangements. GBA welcomes international buyers. It shall be the potential buyer’s sole responsibility to research and satisfy the requirements of any laws and regulations that apply to the import and export of property and for paying all shipping costs, customs and duties on the items. By law, GBA cannot, and will not, declare lesser values for any international purchases and all shipments will include the invoice with purchase totals including the buyer’s premium and shipping cost.
BIDDING TERMS: The auctioneer will determine the highest bidder. The auctioneer alone has the right to reopen the bidding of an item at any time if deemed necessary due to a dispute. If there is a tie bid between the floor and Internet or absentee bid, the floor bid takes precedence. In the event of a tie internet bid, the auctioneer will choose the highest bidder. GBA and its representatives reserve the right to remove those attendees who impede preview and/or the auction. GBA is not responsible for any errors in bids, omissions of bids, or failure to execute bids and shall have no liability to any bidder for any technical or other failure associated with internet, absentee bidding, or telephone bidding. In the event of an on-site utilities or internet services interruption, the auction will be suspended until such a time that the utility can be restored. Consignors are not allowed to bid on their own merchandise nor have any agent bid on their behalf. If the Auctioneer recognizes such bidding, the Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any or all items consigned by the offending consignor.
ABSENTEE BIDDING: GBA will accept absentee bids if pre-authorized by mail, phone, email, online, or in-person. In-Person absentee bidders must use the absentee bid form and clearly mark the lot number, title and maximum bid amount. If there are two (2) identical bids placed on the same item, priority will be given to the first bid received. All bids must be left in increments as published for that particular auction. If a bid is “out of increment,” the auctioneer will automatically round the bid down to the next correct increment. Seller(s) agree to allow the Auctioneer to accept and execute absentee bids in a competitive manner for potential buyers and under the GBA absentee bidding terms and conditions. During the live sale, the auctioneer will execute absentee bids competitively (starting with the lowest possible bid point) up to the maximum amount indicated.
ONLINE BIDDING: Online bidding through www.GoodBottleAuctions.com, Live Auctioneers, Invaluable, Hibid, Proxibid, Bid Wrangler or other bidding platforms may be available. These terms and conditions apply, as well as additional terms and conditions for each third-party platform. These Terms & Conditions will take deference over any posted online terms and agreements. A surcharge may be added for third party online platforms or more commonly the buyers premium may be higher for certain platforms to include their additional cost. Refer to the bidding platform of choice for the final buyer’s premium. If there is a tie bid between the internet bidding venues and the floor, the floor bid takes precedence. Due to our fast paced auctions and bids coming from floor bidders, phone bidders, Internet bidders and absentee bids, the auctioneer has the final word on all item(s) sold. The bidder assumes the risk of winning an item online and discovering the item has sold to another bidder. This is due to the final call of the auctioneer and the operator not being able to re-open that lot. Registered Online bidders are fully responsible for accidental bidding as if they bid normally.
BID RESULTS: GBA will only contact successful bidders. Invoices are sent within 24 hours of auction end. The invoice will include the lot info, hammer price, premium, shipping, insurance, and any other charges that apply. Please hold phone inquiries regarding bid success until after receiving the invoice. For verifications, GBA cannot provide winning bid information until the second business day after the auction. GBA will not provide bidder information to any outside sources.
TELEPHONE BIDDING: When available, requests for phone lines must be received at least three (3) days prior to the auction date. GBA cannot guarantee phone lines but will make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to participate live via phones. Phone lines are provided to qualified bidders at GBA’s preference. Please contact us directly to arrange phone bidding.860-378-8808. Minimum bid requirements may apply.
BIDDERS PRESENT AND TAKING ITEMS DURING AND AFTER AUCTION: Since item liability transfers upon a successful bid, items paid for must be packed, transported and/or removed by the buyer at his/ her own risk after the close of the sale. GBA recommends that buyers arrange insurance for all items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder. If any employee or agent of GBA shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the buyer. GBA shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee.
RESERVES: The large majority of our items are unreserved, but occasionally items may carry a moderate reserve. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is at or below the low estimate. In the case of a reserved item, the seller has authorized the auctioneer to bid on their behalf until the reserve price is reached. The auctioneer will note if a buyer is bidding against the reserve.
PAYMENT TERMS: GBA accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, personal checks, certified checks, wire transfers, money orders, and cash. Any invoice totaling more than $10,000 must be paid within three (3) business days of the auction date. All other merchandise must be paid in full within seven (7) days of the date of the invoice. Upon payment in full, it is the bidder’s responsibility to submit any additional information necessary (such as pick up agent), to initiate in person pick up and shipping. Invoices over $5,000 may be subject to mandatory check or wire payment. All transaction fees associated with payment method are non-refundable.
CREDIT CARDS: Link for online credit card payment will be listed in the buyers invoice. Invoices unpaid within seven days of the auction MAY be automatically charged to the card on file. Credit Card payments are subject to maximum buyers premium. Credit Card payments are only accepted from the buyers name listed on the invoice. GBA reserves the right to refuse to ship to a different address than the billing address on the credit card being used. GBA does not allow credit card chargebacks for any reason and any delivered items subject to a chargeback will be considered as stolen merchandise and reported immediately to Law Enforcement.
CHECK: (In Person, day of sale only) There will be a $40.00 service charge for returned checks. Make checks payable to: Good Bottle Auctions LLC. Checks can be mailed to: Good Bottle Auctions LLC 8 Metals Drive, Plantsville CT 06479. GBA reserves the right to hold items paid for by personal or company check until said check clears (typically up to 14 days). GBA has the right to hold all checks over $2,000. Customers who have an established successful buying history with GBA may be exempt from this requirement. First time buyers paying by check may be subject to additional requirements such as bank letter of credit.
WIRE TRANSFERS: Wire transfers are accepted for invoices totaling more than $5,000 USD. Invoices below $5,000 may be subject to a $30 wire transaction fee.
NON-PAYMENT: In the few situations where a successful bidder does not remit payment when due, GBA will proceed with the legal steps necessary to protect its interests and will block the bidder from future auction participation.
SALES TAX: As the transaction takes place and title transfers in the state of Connecticut, GBA is required to collect 6.35% sales tax on all lots sold. It is the bidder’s responsibility to know the sales and use tax law in their locality and know what sales and use tax will be due upon their purchase. Lots are subject to all applicable state and local taxes unless appropriate resale permits are on file with GBA prior to invoicing. Bidder agrees to pay GBA the actual amount of tax due in the event that sales tax is not properly collected due to: 1) an expired, inaccurate, or inappropriate tax certificate or declaration, 2) an incorrect interpretation of the applicable statute, 3) or any other reason. The appropriate form or certificate must be on file and verified by GBA five days prior to Auction, or tax must be paid; only if such form or certificate is received by GBA within 4 days after the Auction can a refund of tax paid be made. Lots from different auctions may not be aggregated for sales tax purposes.
WITHDRAWAL OF PROPERTY: GBA reserves the right to withdraw any property from the auction at any time and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Good Bottle Auctions will not be liable under any legal theory, whether in tort (including negligence), contract, or otherwise, for any incidental, consequential, indirect, special, or punitive damages arising out of your access to or use of the Website, regardless of whether Good Bottle Auctions has been advised of the possibility of any such damages. GOOD BOTTLE AUCTIONS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THESE TERMS AT ANY TIME AT ITS SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS WEBSITE, OR ANY CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN, DO NOT REGISTER OR BID.