How do I bid on an item in the auction?
Once you have completed our registration process (linked to registration page) you are free to bid on any item listed in our live current auction. Once you find something that you like and have satisfied yourself thoroughly that it is an item that you would like to buy you can enter an amount into the numeric box and press the “place bid” button.
How does the bidding process work?
We list items on our current auction page for selling by other users. The bidding process is simple with a numeric box where you type the amount that you would like to bid for the item. We utilise a proxy bidding process which will automatically bid on your behalf up to a maximum amount that you have entered into the numeric box. Please remember that a buyer’s commission is added to the final price if you win.
What is proxy bidding?
Proxy bidding is our system automatically keeping you as the highest bidder up to your maximum amount. The increments that it increases by are linked to the current price of the item and any other bids placed by other users. The steps that it increases is set out in this table here.
How will I know if I am the highest bidder?
On the item listing page you will see a notification of your bid status, so whether you are the highest bidder, have been outbid or have yet to bid our system will have a small notification just above the current bid price. You will also receive an email notification for each bid that you make and also if you have been outbid by another user.
How long do I have to bid?
Listed along with each item there is a countdown clock until the bidding closes at the end of the auction process. The auctions will end at 7pm (19.00 GMT) on the closing date with a system that prevents last minute bid sniping by extending a single lot by 10 mins if a bid is placed in the last 5 minutes of bidding.
What is anti-sniping?
As part of the final stages of an auction we have implemented anti sniping software, which prevents a bidder making a last second bid on an item leaving you with no time to counterbid them. If a bid is placed within the final 5 minutes of an auction then that individual lot is extended by 10 more minutes allowing you to increase your bid should you wish. The auction will end when there is no bid activity for more than 5 minutes.
Can I retract a bid?
If you have made a mistake and made an error in bidding you can place a new lower bid, that is not lower than the current price, and it will reduce/remove your max bid. If you have a problem with this or want to retract a bid then please contact the admin team as soon as possible at
admin@irishwhiskeyauctions.ie to advise us of what the error is.
If it does not affect the current process then we may, at our discretion, retract the bid. User’s bidding is all logged within our system and all bids are recorded. Ultimately you are responsible for all bids made from your account.
I have won an item, what next?
If you have been successful as the highest bidder you will receive an email notifying you that you have won, you will also see the items that you have won in the “my dashboard” area. You can make payment in the “my dashboard” area or alternatively follow the link in the won item email and make payment through your chosen method. The final price will include the buyer’s commission, shipping and any applicable VAT charges.
What is the buyer’s commission?
The Buyers commission is 10% of the final price that has won the auction. VAT is chargeable on the commission rate and also any shipping costs incurred.
When will I receive my won item?
When we have received your full completed payment we will endeavour to ship your items to your chosen address as soon as possible. We guarantee to ship all items within 5 days of full and cleared funds received. Any additional notes or questions on shipping please contact our office team by email to admin@irishwhiskeyauctions.ie or call us on +353 (0)1 5242 142.
Can I collect my item?
Yes, you can collect your won items from our offices in Dundalk by prior arrangement. Please contact our office team to make an appointment to call. Items will not be released until all outstanding balances have been settled.
What are the delivery charges?
We have worked hard to get the safest and most competitive delivery rates to ensure that you receive your won items. We can arrange delivery to most countries but some restrictions do apply as we are sending alcohol. Please see our shipping and delivery cost here for our current delivery charges. Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.