1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 v-auction@vollers.com. We're here to help!

The most important part of any auction is the bidding. Specialty coffee auctions follow a 'Helmsman' style format, also known as a 'multi-unit' auction. Here's how it works

• Bids will open simultaneously for all lots at 12:00 hrs London (GMT).
• The opening bidding period will last for three (3) hours until 15:00 hrs (GMT). Once this three-hour window has concluded, the three (3) minute clock will commence at 15:00 hrs (GMT). In all cases, the auctioneer will notify all bidders at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the clock countdown.
• At 15:00 hrs the auction clock will count down from 3 minutes, and each new bid will reset the clock. If no new bids are placed during this period, the auction will close.
• At 16:00 hrs London (GMT) time, if bidding continues, the timer is shortened to 2 minutes.
• At 17:00 hrs London (GMT) time, if bidding continues, the timer is shortened to 1 minutes.
• Bids must be in increments of $0.25 USD per pound or higher. The minimum increment may vary during the auction. We reserve the right to change the minimum increment during the auction.
• A proxy/auto-bid feature is available, allowing bidders to set an automatic higher bid up to a predefined maximum. The system will place increments higher than the last bid, until the bidder's maximum price is reached. You can cancel an auto-bid at any time before the price is reached.
• The auction closes when the auction clock reaches zero without further bids.

This system ensures that full value is achieved for each lot in the auction, as the outcome of each lot is tied to the overall auction activity. The more participants bid, the longer lots remain open across the auction, increasing competition and value. This helps ensure producers receive fair prices for their coffee and contributes to the sustainability of their farming practices.

You can place a bid in two ways:

Bid at the next suggested increment:

• Click the "Bid" button.
• Confirm your bid by clicking "Confirm."

Enter a higher bid:

• Type your desired bid amount into the text box next to the "Bid" button. You must enter an amount that's at least the current bid plus the required minimum increment
• Confirm your bid by pressing "Confirm."

Remember:

• Each time you place the highest bid, your paddle number will appear in the row of that specific lot.
• Whenever any user places a bid, all participants will see a notification that says: "🔔 Heads up! Someone placed a bid!"
• Stay alert during the auction to make sure you don't lose the lot to another bidder.

• Payment for auction lots is due in full. If you attend the live auction, payment is required immediately after the event. If you bid online, payment must be completed within 15 days of the auction date. Please make sure you review the Terms & Conditions you agree to when registering for the auction.
• If the winning Bidder does not pay the due amount within this time, the lots will be offered to the bidder who placed the second-highest bid.
• After the auction has closed we will be in touch with you to arrange payments, contracts and shipping. Once all these are agreed upon, payment will be made by bank or wire transfer. Other options are available and we can discuss those as they arise.