Buyers Policy
Last updated: November 10th, 2025
1. Purpose of this Policy
This Buyers Policy (“Policy”) applies to all users who purchase items through the Bottles EU online auction platform, operated by Bottles EU Lda, a company registered in Portugal. Registered Address: Praceta Fundo De Vila, N.º 50, 3.º Esq. K, São João da Madeira, Aveiro, Portugal VAT No.: 518 377 385 Customer Service / Support Contacts:
- PT Portuguese Line: +351 914 021 381
- GB English Line: +1 973 975 6042
- FR French Line: +33 6 88 90 74 26
- Email: info@bottles.pt
By registering an account, placing a bid, or purchasing any item, you agree to comply with this Policy, the Terms of Use, and the Privacy Policy. This Policy complies with EU consumer-protection law, including Directive 2011/83/EU, Directive 2019/2161 (Omnibus), and the EU GDPR.
2. Eligibility
- Only users aged 18 years or older may register and purchase alcoholic items.
- By bidding, you confirm that you are legally permitted to buy and receive alcohol in your country of residence.
- Bottles EU may request identity or age verification at any time. False declarations may result in account suspension or termination.
- Bottles EU processes verification data solely for legal-compliance purposes under GDPR Art. 6(1)(c).
3. Buyer Responsibilities
As a Buyer, you agree to:
- Provide accurate billing, delivery, and contact details.
- Verify that the import and possession of alcoholic products are lawful in your country.
- Pay the winning-bid amount, buyers’s fee, and any applicable shipping, duties, or taxes.
- Inspect delivered items promptly and report issues within the specified time frame.
- Use the platform in good faith and refrain from fraudulent or abusive behaviour.
4. Bidding and Binding Purchase
- All bids are final and binding once placed.
- The winning bid creates a legally binding purchase obligation between
Buyer and Seller.
- Bottles EU acts solely as an intermediary auction platform; the contract is concluded directly between Buyer and Seller.
- Failure to pay, bid manipulation, or non-cooperation may lead to suspension and possible legal action.
5. Buyer Fees and Payments
- A buyer’s premium of 6% is added to the winning bid.
- Total prices displayed before bidding include all known fees and taxes, in compliance with EU transparency rules.
- Payments are processed securely through approved partners (e.g.,
Stripe) under EU PSD2 standards.
- Payment must be completed within the deadline shown in your account dashboard.
6. Payment Release and Delivery Protection
- Bottles EU holds the Buyer’s payment in escrow until delivery is confirmed.
- The Seller receives payment only when delivery is successfully completed and accepted.
- In cases of non-delivery, damage, or misrepresentation, Bottles EU will assist in resolving the issue or arranging a refund.
- Buyers must report any issue within 48 hours of receipt.
7. No Withdrawal or Cancellation Rights
In accordance with Article 16(k) of Directive 2011/83/EU, all auctions on Bottles EU are exempt from the standard 14-day consumer withdrawal right. By placing a bid, you acknowledge and agree that:
- Once you win an auction, you are legally obliged to pay for the item.
- No withdrawal, cancellation, or refund is permitted after the auction closes.
- Refunds apply only in cases of non-delivery, fraud, or material misrepresentation by the Seller.
- This rule is clearly disclosed before bidding to ensure full legal compliance.
8. Data Protection
Bottles EU processes personal data strictly in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – Regulation (EU) 2016/679). Data is used only for:
- Identity and age verification
- Payment processing and fraud prevention
- Order fulfilment and delivery tracking
For details, see our Privacy Policy.
9. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
- Bottles EU seeks amicable resolution through customer support.
- Buyers may also use the EU Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr
- This Policy and any related disputes are governed by Portuguese law, without prejudice to mandatory consumer-protection rights in the
Buyer’s country of residence.
10. Amendments
Bottles EU may update this Policy from time to time. Changes take effect upon publication on the Bottles EU website. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
