Sampling Process
Samples are fundamental to wine trading on VINEX
When buying, you may request samples 
any time to assist with your decision making and negotiations. Importantly, no trade is contracted until you unconditionally accept a final sample and the supporting technical specification declaration. When a seller adds an available wine to the Exchange they can select whether to make samples available or not, during the negotiation or pre-auction period.
However, if samples are not made available during neogtiations, a final sample and technical specification must be made available for your acceptance on the successful completion of any negotiation.
Sampling Restrictions
The number of samples you are able to request is restricted by your membership level and trading activity. To request samples from another member's listing you must subscribe to a paid Standard or Premium level membership.
If you are a buyer (without having purchased a membership subscription) and list your own sourcing requirements, you may request samples from sellers making counter-offers without the need to upgrade your membership to a paid subscription.
The VINEX team must approve all new member’s first sample request. If selling and you receive a request for samples you will be able view the requesting member’s profile, including country of origin, then either accept, decline or seek clarification on the request.
Sample requests for listings under the Procurement Auction trade method (starting in 5 days) may not be accepted by the seller due to the short pre-auction period. Acceptance of any request is entirely at the seller's discretion.
Sample requests for listings under the Procurement Auction trade method (starting in 21 days) may be accepted by the seller, where samples can be delivered prior to the Procurement Auction starting. Acceptance of any request is entirely at the seller's discretion.
Sampling Coordination
VINEX reports on the dispatch and delivery status of all samples, which are tracked through the Exchange with the details displayed on your dashboard.
When you request samples the seller will be notified and provided details of your requests. You may request a single sample, or a sample of a second option that is different in style. All sample requests are limited to supplying between 1- 4 bottles of each option.
Sampling Integrity
VINEX protects and enforces the sampling integrity and anonymity of all parties. Therefore, VINEX prohibits sellers delivering samples directly to you or allowing identifying labels, printed corks, embossed glass or other marks that can identify the supplier.
To protect your anonymity, VINEX utilises Freight Forwarding centres. The seller must arrange delivery to the nominated forwarding centre and from there VINEX will arrange delivery to your requested address.
Sampling Costs
The cost of freight to the VINEX forwarding address is the seller's responsibility. The progress and delivery of samples can be tracked through your VINEX dashboard. In addition, VINEX offers an advanced freight tracking service that can be found under Tools.
Sample Feedback
You can provide feedback on samples received through your dashboard by selecting approve, decline or seek modification (with a re-sample request, advising the changes required). If you decline a sample, you must provide a reason. If approved, you can expect the seller will be keen to negotiate with you to complete a sale.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Specific rules relating to the supply of samples are detailed in the VINEX Trading Rules. Further information may also be obtained from a VINEX Regional Manager.
