Contact Details
- Ofibodegas del Oeste
- Bodegas #4 y # 5
- San Rafael de Alajuela, Costa Rica
- +506 22390301
- +506 22934439
- fmena@exclusivecoffeecr.com
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.
A. The most important part of any auction is the bidding. In a traditional auction, the lots are auctioned one lot at a time. Bids are placed, the bidding price increases until eventually the highest bid is placed, and no more bids are placed. The bidder with the highest bid wins the lot.
Specialty coffee auctions are different; they work as a ‘Helmsman’ style auction also known as ‘ multi-unit. It works like this:
This means the full value is achieved for each and every coffee in the auction. This is because the outcome for each coffee is tied to the outcome of the auction as a whole. The more people bid, the more the coffees remain available across the whole auction. This means the producers will receive good value for their coffee and we will all contribute to the sustainability of their farming.
A. Bids can be made in one of three ways:
A. Pre-bidding is a phase where participants can place bids on the lots at any time prior to the start of the live auction. Placing a bid during the pre-bidding stage can give you an advantage over other bidders. Your pre-bid could be the winning bid if no other bidder submits a higher bid during the live auction. Participants will have until the live auction starts to place a pre-bid and then the auction will start as usual.
You can also place autobids during this phase. Autobids will bid on your behalf throughout the auction up to the maximum bid set when you placed it.
Remember! The pre-bids that you place when the auction is open for pre-bidding will be used when the live auction starts.
A. Yes, to bid in our auction you have to first register with us. This means we know who you are and that you understand and accept our Terms & Conditions. Once your registration has been accepted you can begin 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. The usual time allowed for the initial period (before all lots have received a bid) is an hour but will be determined by the number of lots and participating buyers. Once the clock starts ticking, it all depends on the level of demand. Do not be mistaken into thinking that this style of auction is over very quickly - expect several hours for specialty coffee auctions.
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. Payment for auction lots is due in FULL 15 days after the auction date. Please ensure you are familiar with the Terms & Conditions you agree to when you register 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.
For destinations that are not served by our certified coffee importers, payment in full is required prior to the coffee leaving the country of origin.