Sampling Process
Sampling and approval is vital
Anonymity. Available. Appraisal.
When buying, you may request samples at 
any time to assist with your decision making and negotiations.
Importantly, no trade needs to be accepted until you unconditionally approve a final sample and a supporting technical specification declaration.
When a seller offers an available wine to the marketplace, 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 negotiations, a final sample technical specification and composition declaration must be made available for your acceptance on the successful completion of any negotiation.
Sampling Restrictions
VINEX must approve all new member’s first sample request. If you're a producer offering wines 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 Reverse Auction trade method starting in 7 and 21 days, must be accepted and supplied pre-auction, to be eligible to bid at Auction.
Sample requests for listings under all other trade methods may be made by the buyer, but only after the seller has first submitted an offer. 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 VINEX with the details displayed on your account 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, different in style. All sample requests are limited to supplying between 2 - 6 bottles of each option.
Sampling Integrity
VINEX protects and enforces the sampling integrity and identity of all parties. For this reason, VINEX prohibits sellers from delivering samples directly to buyers or allowing identifying labels, printed corks, embossed glass or other marks that can identify the supplier. We believe buyers following best practice highly value tasting samples completely objectively.
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 account Dashboard. In addition, VINEX offers an advanced freight tracking service (AfterShip), found in 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 trade.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Specific rules relating to the supply of samples are detailed in the VINEX Trading Rules. Further information may also be obtained from VINEX Support.
