How to bid
How to bid
Are you ready to bid?
Bidding on the internet is much the same as bidding for an item on-site in a live auction room. There are many different styles of auctions and an online auction seeks to replicate each experience, for buyers to participate from anywhere in the world.
For those who have not taken part in an online coffee auction before, here’s how the process works.
FAQs
Register and create a V-Auction Account
- To join any V-Auction event, you must create a V-Auction account. During registration, you'll need to agree to our Auction Platform's Terms & Conditions. This step ensures we can verify your identity and that you understand and accept our policies.
Accept the Bidding Agreement
- Each auction has its own bidding agreement. To place bids and order samples, you must accept the specific agreement for the auction you wish to participate in.
- Please complete the application with as much information as possible to facilitate the review process.
Discover more auctions!
- Your V-Auction account grants you access to all coffee auctions hosted by V-Auction.
- Remember, you must apply to bid in each separate auction, even if you already have an account.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our support team gemsofaraku@v-auction.com. We're here to help!
A. This auction is run in partnership with V-Auction. Your V-Auction login details will be valid across our marketplace and all our different auctions throughout the year. This means that you can use the same email address and password to log in to all auctions from the various producers that we work with at V-Auction.
Soon you will be able to view all of your activity in one place, from which auctions you have applied to bid on, to your invoice.
A.This year, we will be using a Timed Auction format. Here's how it works:
- The auction runs from 5th May 2025 at 09:00 hrs to 8th May 2025 at 14:00 hrs (London time), with all lots open for bidding simultaneously.
- You can place bids manually, set auto-bids, or use the Buy Now option to purchase instantly (if available).
- A live countdown clock will show how much time is left on each lot.
- When the timer reaches zero at the end of the auction, bidding closes and winners are automatically declared.
This means that each coffee has the chance to achieve its full value during the auction. With all lots available for bidding throughout the entire 4-day period, buyers can explore and bid freely at any time. This open and flexible format encourages more participation and competition, helping ensure producers receive fair value for their coffees. In turn, this supports the long-term sustainability of their farms and communities.
A. Bids can be made in one of three ways:
- Next Suggested Increment: Click the "Bid" button, then "Confirm" to bid at the next increment.
- Higher Amount: Enter an amount higher than the current increment in the text box, click "Bid", and then "Confirm".
- Auto Bidding: Set a maximum amount you are willing to spend. The system will automatically bid on your behalf up to this amount. If the bidding exceeds your set amount, you will need to place another auto-bid to continue.
- Buy Now: Instantly purchase a lot at the listed fixed price. Click the "Buy Now" button, then "Confirm" to secure the lot immediately. Once confirmed, the lot is no longer available for bidding.
A. The identity of each Bidder will be anonymous and unknown to other Bidders prior to and during, the Internet Auction. Bidders will be identified by a random ‘Paddle Number’.
The identity of the highest bidder for each Lot will be made public when the winners are declared at the end of the auction. The winners' details will be passed on to the producers and used to form the contract for the sale of the coffee. finalize shipping arrangements.
A. This auction will be open from 5th May, 2025 at 9:00 hrs (London time) until 8th May, 2025 at 14:00 hrs (London time)
A. Real-time updates are essential in a coffee auction where the auction clock is counting down quickly between bids, and it is what makes online systems perfect for this type of auction. We recommend that you have a fast stable internet connection for your auction participation.
A.FOB (Free On Board) Cochin means the seller’s responsibility ends once the coffee is loaded onto the vessel at the port of Cochin, India. In this auction, the price you see includes all costs up to that point—processing, packaging, and transport to the port. However, it does not include ocean freight, insurance, or any costs beyond Cochin. These additional costs will depend on your chosen shipping arrangements.
A. Payment for auction lots is due in full within 15 days after the auction date. Please ensure you are familiar with the Terms & Conditions you agree to when registering for the auction.
If the winning bidder does not pay within this time, the lot will be offered to the second-highest bidder.
After the auction closes, we will contact you to arrange payment, contracts, and shipping. Once agreed upon, payment can be made via bank or wire transfer. Other options are available and can be discussed as needed.
For destinations not served by our certified coffee importers, full payment is required before the coffee leaves the country of origin.