Terms and Conditions
Last updated: November 7th, 2025
1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of the Bottles online auction and marketplace platform operated by BOTTLES EU LDA (“Bottles”, “we”, “us”, “our”). 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 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 accessing or using the Bottles platform, users (“you”, “your”) agree to comply with these Terms, the Buyers Policy, the Sellers Policy, and the Privacy & Cookies Policy. These Terms comply with EU and Portuguese consumer and e-commerce law, including:
- Directive 2011/83/EU
- Directive 2019/2161
- Directive 2005/29/EC
- PSD2
- GDPR (EU 2016/679)
2. Eligibility and Registration
- Users must be at least 18 years old to register or transact on Bottles.
- By using the platform, you confirm that you are legally permitted to buy, sell, or receive alcohol in your country of residence.
- BOTTLES EU LDA may request proof of identity, age, or ownership at any time to comply with KYC and AML regulations.
- Failure to provide accurate or lawful information may result in suspension or termination of your account.
3. Platform Role
BOTTLES EU LDA acts solely as an intermediary, providing a secure platform for Buyers and Sellers to connect. Contracts for the sale of goods are concluded directly between the Buyer and Seller, and BOTTLES EU LDA is not a contracting party to those transactions. Bottles does not guarantee the authenticity, value, or condition of any listed item but ensures due diligence through its Bottles Specialists (BXs).
4. Buyers Policy Summary
When bidding or purchasing through Bottles:
- All bids are final and binding.
- The winning bid forms a legally enforceable purchase obligation between Buyer and Seller.
- Buyers must complete payment within the displayed deadline.
- BOTTLES EU LDA holds payment securely until delivery is confirmed.
- No withdrawal or cancellation rights apply once a bid is won (Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 16(k)).
- Refunds apply only in cases of non-delivery, fraud, or material misrepresentation by the Seller.
5. Sellers Policy Summary
When listing or selling on Bottles:
- Sellers must be at least 18 years old and the legal owner of the item.
- Listings are reviewed by Bottles Specialists (BXs) before publication.
- BXs assess authenticity, legality, condition, and suitability — their approval is non-binding and does not guarantee authenticity or value.
- A 9% seller commission applies to successful sales only.
- Sellers must ship items safely and on time, using tracked delivery.
- Payment is released after delivery confirmation or after three days if no dispute arises.
- BOTTLES EU LDA may withhold or reverse payments in cases of fraud, counterfeit goods, or policy breach.
6. Fees and Payment Terms
- Buyers pay the winning bid, a 6% buyer’s premium, and any applicable taxes or duties.
- Sellers pay a 9% commission upon successful sale.
- All payments are processed securely under the EU PSD2 Directive through licensed partners (e.g., Stripe).
- Prices displayed include all known fees and VAT, where applicable.
- BOTTLES EU LDA reserves the right to update fees and commissions at any time, effective upon publication.
7. Bottles Specialists (BXs)
Bottles Specialists (BXs) are marketplace professionals who review listings prior to publication. They provide evaluations based on authenticity, legality, and market standards. BX approval is advisory and non-binding — it does not replace the Seller’s legal responsibility. BX decisions are made in good faith and without liability to BOTTLES EU LDA.
8. Prohibited Conduct and Account Suspension
Users agree not to:
- Submit false, misleading, or illegal listings.
- Engage in fraud, manipulation, or bid rigging.
- Sell counterfeit, stolen, or adulterated products.
- Abuse platform systems or other users.
BOTTLES EU LDA may suspend or terminate accounts and withhold payments if such activities are detected and may report violations to relevant authorities.
9. Data Protection, Privacy & Cookies
BOTTLES EU LDA complies fully with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – EU 2016/679).
Personal data is processed lawfully for:
- Identity verification, age checks, and KYC compliance
- Payment processing and fraud prevention
- Transaction management and communication
Data is stored securely and retained only as legally required. Users have rights of access, correction, erasure, and data portability under GDPR. For full details, see the Privacy & Cookies Policy, which explains cookie usage, analytics, and consent in accordance with the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC).
10. Taxes, Customs, and Compliance
- Sellers are solely responsible for declaring income, VAT, customs, and excise duties in compliance with their national tax laws.
- BOTTLES EU LDA is not liable for any Seller’s tax obligations or import/export restrictions.
- Buyers must ensure import legality in their country before placing bids.
11. Dispute Resolution
In case of dispute between Buyer and Seller, BOTTLES EU LDA mediates based on:
- Tracking and delivery data
- Photo or video evidence
- BX evaluation reports
- Platform communication records
Bottles’ mediation decision is binding within the platform. Consumers may also use the EU Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr
12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of Portugal, without prejudice to mandatory consumer-protection laws in the user’s country of residence.
All disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Portugal.
13. Amendments
BOTTLES EU LDA may modify these Terms at any time. Updates take effect upon publication on the Bottles website. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
14. Contact Information
For all inquiries or legal correspondence, please contact: BOTTLES EU LDA Praceta Fundo De Vila, N.º 50, 3.º Esq. K São João da Madeira, Aveiro, Portugal VAT No.: 518 377 385 Email: info@bottles.pt
