Sampling Process
Samples are fundamental to wine trading on VINEX
When listing your available wine to sell, you can select whether to make samples available to buyers or not, during the pre-Auction or another trade method negotiating period. Trading activity has shown that success rates for completed trades are 3 x higher when making samples available at the time of negotiation. If you indicate 'Samples Available' when submitting a new listing, you can edit the listing at any time prior to a trade being completed.
However, if samples are not made available prior to negotiations being completed, as the seller you must provide the buyer with a final sample and technical specification on the successful completion of negotiations.
Sampling Restrictions
The number of samples a buyer is able to request is restricted by their membership level and trading activity. 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 your listings under the Auction trade method (starting in 5 days) can be declined by you due to the short pre-Auction period. Acceptance of any request is entirely at your discretion.
Sample requests for your listings under the Auction trade method (starting in 21 days) and all other negotiation trade methods should be accepted by you to increase your chances to complete a trade. Again, it remains entirely at your discretion whether or not you accept sample requests.
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 a buyer requests samples you will be notified on your dashboard and receive an email from VINEX providing you with the request details and printable pdf labels to apply to each bottle. The request may be for a single sample, or a sample with a second option that is a different 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 buyers or allowing identifying labels, printed corks, embossed glass or other marks that can identify the supplier.
VINEX utilises Freight Forwarding centres. When notified of a sample request you will receive the delivery address details of the centre to receive your consignment. From here, VINEX will arrange delivery to the buyer’s final destination (at no further cost to you). Depending on the buyer’s location, the request for samples could be for delivery to a local or overseas forwarding address, as will be indicated by the member's country of origin, displayed in their abbreviated profile. It is your responsibility to create a sample that accurately reflects the listing description and specifications, taking into account any special requests of the buyer.
Sampling Costs
After creating the samples and packaging them securely, you need to book a freight collection using your preferred freight carrier for the delivery location nominated. The cost of freight to the VINEX forwarding address is the seller's responsibility. On dispatch, the consignment number can be entered through the VINEX dashboard under My Samples to track the parcel's progress and delivery. In addition, VINEX has an advanced freight tracking service that can be found under Tools.
Sample Feedback
You will receive advice through your dashboard of a buyer’s response to samples. The buyer may approve, decline or seek modification (with a re-sample request, advising the changes required). If a sample is declined, the buyer must provide a reason. If approved, you can expect the buyer will be keen to further negotiations with you to complete a purchase.
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.
