Shipping & Returns

Shipping Basics

Please note we cannot ship to PO BOX addresses unless you pay additional surcharge. Australia Post will not allow us to deliver using Couriers Please or Aramex - so we must use StarTrack which is typically 3/4 times the cost. We will ship to a PO Box if you choose to pay the surcharge (at cost).

Similarly, when we provide for Freight at a Flat fee, we do so in good faith, however we reserve the right to pass on additional freight costs where the freight is exceptionally outside the expected norms.

In both cases we will contact you to discuss and make appropriate arrangements to handle the situation quickly. We do appreciate your understanding.

Auctions Purchases

The typical LOT is 6/12 bottles and each case is a LOT so the cost if you buy one is $25 flat.

If you buy multiples of a case (if there are 3 available on the same LOT ID) then the shipping will be $25.

However if you buy a single bottle of an expensive wine (typically we LOT them as singles which are more affordable for people) then it’s going to be $20 for the single bottle.

If you are paying over $600 on any single LOT then the cost of shipping is FREE.

I hope this answers you question. Feel free to email sales@cellarlinkauctions.com if you would like to arrange a phone call to discuss any lots or other issues.

Store Purchases

If you are paying over $600 then the cost of shipping is FREE.

Shipping is Quoted at checkout based on items in the Cart.

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Wines/Products with Wax Seals

We DO NOT warranty WAX outer seals as part of the Product Warranty when sold.

Therefore we offer no warranty on such items. As many of the goods we sell are secondary market, the WAX seal may have moved slightly and have minor imperfections/cracks, also may not be in pristine "as new" condition. This does not affect the quality of the wines/product in the boxes.

Also, these wax seals may be susceptible to breakage in transit, where by the products themselves are perfectly fine. We sell you the Product.

The WAX seal is applied for ascetic reasons only by the winery/producer and does not affect the wine. If products are badly affected by broken wax seals when listed this is typically noted on the offer, and pictured. Minor imperfections are not noted.

Products with Display/Gift Boxes

We DO NOT sell you a Gift Box, this is FREE when sold with the wine.

Therefore we offer no warranty on such items. As many of the goods we sell are secondary market, the boxes may not be in pristine condition. This does not affect the quality of the wines/product in the boxes. Also, these boxes may be susceptible to breakage in transit, where by the products themselves are perfectly fine.

Auction Items

We want you to have complete confidence when purchasing at auction through Cellar Link Auctions and we spend a lot of time checking and cataloguing each item and putting together our listings to ensure they accurately reflect the condition of the lot. We recommend that you take the time to assess all the information prior to placing your bid, as the principle of Buyer Beware applies to all auction sales.

A significant proportion of the wines sold at auction by Cellar Link Auctions are cellared/aged. It is important that you carefully assess the lot (particularly the ullage and state of the closure) to make appropriate allowances for its condition, and understand any associated risk.

You may be unlucky, or it may be the best wine you have ever drunk, such is the nature of aged wine. There may be instances where the wines have passed their optimum drinking window, which may adversely affect the flavours and enjoyment of the wine, but which may still be considered to have a curio value. We are unable to offer refunds or replacements on any such wines.

In the event that you receive the wrong item or there is significant damage that has been caused in transit, goods damaged in transit should not be accepted from the courier and should be returned to us for assessment, please contact us within 24 hours of receiving the item to discuss your options.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information about purchasing wines via auction.

Legislation

Your rights and obligations are handled by the NSW Government in the following links:

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/ways-to-shop-and-pay/ways-to-shop

Buying from a private seller in Australia or abroad

Australian Consumer Law does not apply when you buy from a private seller (eg buying a second-hand item from an individual on eBay) because they are not acting in trade or commerce like a normal retailer.

When you buy from a private seller, it is called a consumer-to consumer transaction and contract law applies. However, you still have the right to expect the title on the goods (full ownership) after purchase and that it is free from any security or charge on it, unless told otherwise before the sale.

We recommend seeking independent legal advice if you have a problem regarding a consumer-to-consumer transaction.

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Before participating in an online auction it’s important to read the terms and conditions and understand your rights, the procedures and costs. That’s because when it comes to online auctions, your consumer rights vary depending on whether you buy from:

a traditional auction
a private (individual) or business seller at a marketplace site like eBay
an Australian or overseas seller.

Learn about your consumer rights when buying from a private seller or overseas business.

Traditional auction conducted online

At a traditional auction, an auctioneer acts as an agent for the seller. Online auction houses use a website to create a virtual auction and interested parties visit the website (rather than a physical location) to bid for goods.

When you purchase something at a traditional auction, you have limited protection under Australian Consumer Law, however you still have the right to expect:

truthful representations, statements or claims about the goods or services
that goods are of acceptable quality, safe, fit for purpose and match the advertised description
the title on the goods (full ownership) after purchase, unless told otherwise before the sale.

Marketplace online auctions

Online businesses like eBay operate ‘virtual marketplace’ websites where buyers and sellers from any country can buy, sell and bid for goods. In this type of auction, the site operator may not be directly involved in the auction process or act as an agent for the seller. This is different to a conventional auction (see below).

The site operator provides a set of rules and guidelines for transactions on the site, but it is mostly left to the individual buyers and sellers to deal directly with each other, including negotiating payment and the delivery of goods.

The site operator cannot see the contract between the buyer and seller so it is not liable for claims made about the goods, non-delivery or damages.

Products purchased at a marketplace website like eBay are not considered to be an auction (as defined in Australian Consumer Law). This means that products sold by Australian businesses on such a website are covered by the automatic consumer guarantee.

Learn more about online auctions in Being a savvy consumer.

Returns/Procedure

Step 1.

Should you consider the product to be unmerchantable or somehow you wish to return the product.

You should first contact us with your concerns, and we will provide further direction, it is best to accompany your email with relevant pictures and full descriptions of the problem.

Step 2.

Once a Return is Authorised (No returns will be accepted unless authorised in writing, prior to being sent).

Return shipping is the responsibility of the Customer, until such time as the product is returned and then we determine the cause of the issue. If the product is returned it should be sent using Australia Post to PO BOX 7271, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, with tracking and insurance applied. Please email us your return postage receipt.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be entitled to a refund, repair or replacement. If the cause is determined to be the responsibility of Cellar Link Auctions, then the cost of shipping will also be reimbursed.

Insurance Claims

We carry in our business a $250,000 per Transit Marine Transit Insurance cover. Products shipped and whist "in Transit" are covered by this policy. Breakages/Damage deemed to have occurred "in Transit" are therefore deemed to be an Insurance Claim and subject to our insurance policy terms and conditions, and outcomes are determined by our Insurance Provider not Cellar Link Auctions.

As Claims are adjudicated on a case by case basis we cannot determine the outcome.

All claims are subject to a deductible / excess of $100 AUD as per the policy. Payouts are paid by the insurance company directly to the Client.

Shipping Costs do not form part of the Insurance Cover, or Claim.

If the Customer is registered for GST, and if GST was applied to the Sale, GST is/does not form part of the Insurance Cover, or Claim.

Claims for Damage under the sum of $100 will not be considered by the Insurer.

Customers are encouraged to have their own Transit Insurance as offered by Carriers or Brokers, if they feel the need.

How do I claim?

The first step is to tell us about the matter immediately. Contact Us by Email if your consignment is missing. For damaged goods, make a note on your delivery documentation at the time of delivery then contact Us by Email .

Once we have verified that the item was covered by the Extended Warranty chosen, we will send you a claim form to return to us along with any relevant supporting documents. The claim form must be returned to Cellar Link Auctions within 14 days from date of receipt by email, or by mailing it to PO Box 7271 Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia.

Supporting documents may include photographs, independent quotes, invoices to support your valuation of the goods, repairers' invoices etc.

Depending on the value of the consignment and circumstances, Cellar Link Auctions may require an assessment by its own investigators prior to the acceptance of the claim, so you must ensure that damaged freight or packaging is not disposed of or repaired until advised by Cellar Link Auctions. In most cases, however, approved claims will be paid within 28 days of the claim form being received & lodged with our insurer.

If you elected to select insurance with out an Excess then your claim is excess-free (i.e., you do not have to pay any claim excess).

Extended Warranty exclusions

Extended Warranty is only for physical loss or damage. We are not liable for any form of consequential loss. Extended Warranty does not include failure to deliver the goods or damage to the goods caused by mechanical derangement or latent defect.
Cellar Link Auctions does not offer any form of Extended Warranty for goods it describes as "restricted", for example, dangerous goods.
International shippers should be aware that certain countries and goods are excluded from our Extended Warranty.
The packaging of goods is the sender's responsibility. Care must be taken as incorrect packaging may void any claim in the event that the goods are damaged.
If a return is Authorised, The RETURN packaging of goods is the Customers responsibility. Care must be taken as incorrect packaging may void any claim in the event that the goods are further damaged.
Prices quoted are correct as at the date of publication but are subject to change from time to time.

All other liability to you

To the extent permitted by law you bear the risk of loss or damage to the goods, unless we have agreed to extend the warranty for carriage of the goods, in which case we are liable to pay only up to the limit of the Extended Warranty.

The rates published on this site are correct at the time of publication and are provided to you as a guide only. Cellar Link Auctions may vary these rates at any time without notice. The rates on this website are subject to various taxes and surcharges, for example, but not limited to, GST, an Account Service Fee and fuel surcharge. Please Contact Us to confirm the accuracy of these rates.