BOTTLE BOND LIMITED – CUSTOMER STORAGE TERMS & CONDITIONS
Last updated: 1st November 2025
These Terms and Conditions apply to the provision of storage and related services by Bottle Bond Limited.
We may update these Terms from time to time. The most current version will always be available at www.bottlebond.co.uk/terms.
1. Definitions
In these Terms, the following expressions have the meanings set out opposite them:
“Bottle Bond”, “we”, “us” means Bottle Bond Limited (company no. 16390036), registered at 71–75 Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom.
“Customer”, “you” means the person placing Goods into storage with Bottle Bond.
“Goods” means bottled wine, spirits or associated packaging placed into storage under these Terms.
“Market Value” means the reasonable open-market value of the Goods as determined by Bottle Bond at the time of valuation, taking into account recent market data, auction results, or other reputable industry sources. The Customer may dispute a valuation by providing supporting evidence within the timeframe set out in Clause 6.4.
“Services” means the bonded storage, handling, insurance and ancillary services provided by Bottle Bond under these Terms.
“Working Day” means a day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) when banks in London are open for business.
“Fee Schedule” means our current price list as communicated to you at sign-up (and as updated by notice under Clause 16.1).
2. Formation of Contract
A contract incorporating these Terms comes into existence when we issue a written Storage Confirmation at its sole discretion. We are under no obligation to accept Goods or provide storage services unless and until such confirmation is issued. Any variation to these Terms shall not be binding unless agreed in writing by an authorised signatory of Bottle Bond.
following receipt of your Goods or when you otherwise confirm acceptance in writing. No variation is binding unless agreed in writing by an authorised signatory of Bottle Bond.
3. Scope of Services
3.1 We will arrange storage of the Goods in a secure HMRC‑approved bonded warehouse operated by our appointed third‑party warehousing partner.
3.2 Service levels (indicative):
(a) Inbound: Goods will be receipted and visible on your inventory within 20 Working Days of arrival at the warehouse.
(b) Outbound: Duty‑paid orders will be ready for collection/despatch within 10 Working Days; under‑bond within 15 Working Days of your complete instruction and payment of all sums due.
(c) Environment: Target storage temperature 11–13 °C and relative humidity 60–70 %.
3.3 We (and/or the warehouse) may move Goods within the facility provided environmental parameters are maintained and Goods remain identifiable to you.
3.4 Sale Assistance (optional): On your written instruction, we may assist with the sale of Goods as your agent or by introducing you to a third‑party platform or auctioneer. You must be 18+ and we may require identity/age verification and other documents before proceeding. We do not guarantee price, timing or sale outcome. Our commission/fees and any marketplace costs are set out in the Fee Schedule and/or will be confirmed before we proceed. You are responsible for any costs incurred and taxes/duties arising on a sale.
3.5 Documentation: We will provide documentation of your inventory and movements by email PDF, and may introduce an online account in the future.
4. Ownership, Third‑Party Warehousing & Risk
4.1 Ownership: Title to the Goods remains with you at all times; nothing in these Terms transfers ownership to Bottle Bond.
4.2 Third‑party facilities & location changes: Our storage facilities may be operated by a third party. We may change the warehouse provider and/or the location of our storage facilities at any time and will take all reasonable care to ensure continuity of service.
4.3 Risk: Risk passes to us when the Goods are signed in at the warehouse and remains with us until the earlier of (i) hand‑over to you or your carrier, or (ii) hand‑over to a third party nominated by you.
5. Charges, Billing & VAT
5.1 Fee Schedule: Storage and service fees are as set out in your Fee Schedule provided at sign‑up (as updated by notice).
5.2 Invoicing: We will issue an invoice for the annual storage fee on your anniversary date. Invoices for any ad-hoc or additional services will be issued upon completion of those services. Your first invoice is due on acceptance of your Goods, and all invoices are payable within ten (10) Working Days.
5.3 No Pro-Rata Refunds: Storage fees are payable for the full annual period and are non-refundable if you remove Goods before the end of that period.
Example: if your annual billing period starts on 1 January and you withdraw all Goods on 1 July, fees for the full year remain payable and will not be refunded.
5.4 VAT status & price changes: We are not currently VAT‑registered and therefore do not charge VAT. If we become VAT‑registered, charges will be treated as VAT‑exclusive and VAT will be added at the prevailing rate from the effective date. We will give you at least 28 days’ prior notice. We may also update the Fee Schedule; any change will be notified in advance and will take effect from your next billing period unless stated otherwise.
5.5 Third‑party rate reviews & pass‑through: Our warehousing partner reviews rates periodically (typically annually) and may change the charges they invoice to us. Where our underlying costs increase, we may update the Fee Schedule and pass through such increases. We will give you at least 28 days’ prior notice, and unless we state otherwise, changes will apply from your next billing period.
5.6 Payment method & late payment: Payment is by bank transfer unless we agree otherwise. Interest accrues on overdue amounts at 5% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, from due date until payment is received in full.
5.7 Early withdrawal fee: A handling charge of £6 per bottle applies if you withdraw any Goods within the first 12 months of storage. This fee covers administrative and handling costs associated with early withdrawal. Standard logistics and shipping charges apply separately to all withdrawals and deliveries. No handling fee applies once Goods have been stored for more than 12 months.
6. Insurance
6.1 Cover
We will keep the Goods insured at our expense for their full Market Value against physical loss or damage while stored at our approved facility.
6.2 Scope and Exclusions
We maintain comprehensive insurance for physical loss or damage to Goods while stored at our approved facility.
Cover includes fire, theft, accidental breakage and other insured perils, subject to the terms of the policy in force.
Certain types of loss are not covered under that policy. These include:
(a) gradual or natural changes such as wear, tear, ageing or evaporation (ullage);
(b) loss arising from variations in temperature or humidity;
(c) deterioration of labels, capsules or packaging where the contents remain unaffected;
(d) contamination or oxidation of the liquid;
(e) discrepancies identified only through stock reconciliation or inventory checks; and
(f) loss occurring while Goods are in transit other than through our approved carriers.
If any event falls outside the scope of the insurance but is attributable to a third party such as the warehouse or carrier, Bottle Bond will assist the Customer in seeking recovery from that party where appropriate.
6.3 Cosmetic Condition Levels
Where loss is purely cosmetic (for example label or capsule scuffing) and liability is accepted by the warehouse or carrier, compensation shall be limited as follows:
L0 – Mint: no visible marks or defects (reference standard).
L1 – Minor: light scuff or corner rub – compensation up to 2 % of Market Value.
L2 – Moderate: dented carton, torn seal or light label crease – up to 5 %.
L3 – Major: crushed carton, detached label or broken wax/seal – up to 10 %.
No compensation is payable for cosmetic deterioration caused by natural ageing or climate.
6.4 Valuations
Each item’s Market Value is determined by Bottle Bond at the time storage commences, reviewed every 12 months in line with the Customer’s billing cycle.
Customers may dispute any valuation by providing supporting evidence (such as recent auction results) within 14 days of receipt.
Absent dispute, the valuation is deemed agreed and used for both billing and insurance purposes.
“Market Value” means the price at which the item could reasonably be sold on the open market at the date of loss, determined using recognised independent data sources.
6.5 Replacement or Cash Settlement
We may, at our discretion, replace an item with the same item in equivalent condition and provenance instead of paying cash.
We will provide evidence of insurance upon request.
6.6 Claims Procedure
(a) Customers must notify Bottle Bond in writing within five (5) working days of becoming aware of any loss or damage.
(b) Bottle Bond will manage all insurance claims and communications with the insurer or warehouse on the Customer’s behalf.
(c) Any settlement received from the insurer or responsible third party will be credited or paid to the Customer after deduction of any applicable fees or outstanding charges.
(d) Bottle Bond may assist the Customer in recovering any uninsured loss directly from the warehouse or carrier, where appropriate.
7. Rejection, Returns & Disposal
7.1 Inspection & right to reject: The warehouse may inspect Goods on arrival. We may reject and refuse to store any Goods that, in our reasonable opinion, are or appear to be (including but not limited to): leaking or with a leaky cork, tamper‑evident seal/capsule broken or compromised, suspected counterfeit or altered (including irregular serials/duty stamps or manipulated labels), exhibiting abnormal ullage or heat damage, infested/contaminated packaging, or lacking adequate provenance or required documentation.
7.2 Costs & returns: If Goods are rejected, you must pay all associated costs of return, redelivery, disposal or other handling we reasonably incur. We will notify you and request your instruction for return or disposal.
7.3 14‑day deadline: If you do not pay the required charges and collect/arrange return of the rejected Goods within 14 days of our notice, we may dispose of the Goods (including destruction where appropriate). If we reasonably suspect the Goods are counterfeit or unlawful, we may withhold and notify law enforcement or other authorities and dispose of them as required by law.
8. Customer Obligations
8.1 You warrant that the Goods are genuine, in good condition, free from third‑party claims, and that you have the legal right to store them.
8.2 You will provide all information reasonably required for us to comply with HMRC and other applicable laws.
8.3 All charges must be paid in full before requesting removal of Goods.
9. Access & Inspection
9.1 Visits to inspect Goods must be booked at least 5 Working Days in advance and are subject to warehouse health & safety rules. You are responsible for any damage caused during a visit.
9.2 Condition reports can be requested for the fee in the Fee Schedule and will be provided within 5 Working Days
10. Withdrawal / Removal
10.1 You may withdraw all or part of your Goods on not less than 5 Working Days’ written notice, provided all outstanding charges have been settled.
10.2 If Goods are removed, risk transfers to you once the Goods leave the warehouse and you are responsible for any duty or taxes becoming payable.
10.3 Approved Carriers
All collections and deliveries must be arranged through Bottle Bond or by a carrier approved by Bottle Bond. Approved carriers operate under handling and insurance standards suitable for fine spirits.
10.4 Risk in Transit
Insurance cover under Clause 6 applies only while the Goods are in the custody of Bottle Bond or our approved carriers. Risk remains with the Customer during any transport arranged independently by the Customer.
10.5 Customer-Arranged Transport
If the Customer instructs or arranges their own courier or transport provider, Bottle Bond accepts no responsibility for loss or damage occurring in transit, and the Customer must ensure appropriate insurance is in place.
10.6 Delivery and Receipt
Goods shall be considered delivered into storage once Bottle Bond has confirmed receipt, inspection, and acceptance at the approved facility. Likewise, Goods shall be considered removed from storage upon handover to the approved carrier or the Customer (as applicable).
10.7 Assistance
Where requested, Bottle Bond may assist in arranging transport quotations or coordinating collection or delivery on behalf of the Customer. Such assistance is provided as an additional service and does not create liability for any third-party actions.
11. Death, Insolvency & Incapacity
Upon your death, bankruptcy, or loss of mental capacity, we will accept instructions from your personal representatives, trustee in bankruptcy, or attorney (as applicable) upon receipt of satisfactory documentary evidence of their authority. Storage charges continue to accrue and must be paid in full before release of Goods. If charges remain unpaid for 90 days and we cannot contact an authorized representative despite reasonable efforts, we may exercise our sale rights under Clause 12 and hold net proceeds for the relevant party.
12. Default, Lien & Sale Rights
12.1 If any sum remains unpaid 30 days after falling due we may: (a) suspend Services; (b) exercise a lien and retain Goods; and/or (c) after giving at least 28 days’ notice, sell all or part of the Goods as your agent. Sale proceeds will be applied to discharge sums owed plus reasonable sale costs, any balance being remitted to you.
13. Claims, Liability & Indemnity
13.1 Our liability for loss, misidentification or damage to Goods is limited, at our option, to either (a) replacement with the same item in equivalent condition and provenance, or (b) payment of the Market Value as determined under Clause 6.4.
13.2 Bottle Bond’s total aggregate liability for any loss or damage arising under or in connection with these Terms (whether in contract, tort, negligence, breach of statutory duty or otherwise) shall not exceed the lower of:
(a) the Market Value of the affected Goods; or
(b) ten thousand pounds (£10,000) in aggregate per Customer.
13.3 We do not exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
13.4 We are not liable for normal ageing, maturation, natural cork-related deterioration, or other changes that occur as a natural characteristic of the Goods.
13.5 You agree to indemnify Bottle Bond against any loss, cost or expense arising from your breach of these Terms, the provision of inaccurate information, or any act or omission by you or your agents while delivering to or collecting from our facility.
14. Data Protection
Each party shall comply with applicable Data Protection Legislation.
15. Force Majeure
Neither party is liable for failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control provided that we shall use reasonable endeavours to mitigate any loss suffered.
16. Termination
16.1 Notice Period
You may terminate this Agreement on sixty (60) days’ written notice. Bottle Bond may terminate this Agreement on the same notice period.
16.2 Advance Billing (Annual Plans)
All storage fees are payable annually in advance. No refunds are issued if you terminate early. Where Bottle Bond terminates this Agreement for convenience (not as a result of default), we will refund any unused portion of the prepaid term beyond the sixty (60) day notice period, calculated on a pro rata basis.
16.3 Collection of Goods
Upon termination, you must arrange collection of all Goods within thirty (30) days after the expiry of the notice period and once all outstanding charges have been settled. Risk transfers to you once the Goods leave the warehouse. We will assist with coordinating collection where requested.
16.4 Uncollected Goods
If Goods are not collected within the timeframe above, Bottle Bond may:
(a) move the Goods to secure temporary storage at your cost; and/or
(b) after giving a further twenty-eight (28) days’ written notice, exercise its rights under Clause 11 (Default, Lien and Sale of Goods) to recover any sums due. Bottle Bond will account to you for any surplus proceeds after deduction of all reasonable costs and charges.
16.5 Survival
Clauses 4 to 7, 11 to 12, and any other clauses intended to survive termination shall continue in full force and effect.
17. General
17.1 Amendments
We may amend these Terms by giving you at least thirty (30) days’ written notice.
For annual billing arrangements, the updated Terms will take effect from your next renewal date, unless a change is required by law or regulation, in which case it may apply sooner.
If you do not agree with the changes, you may terminate the Agreement by giving written notice within the thirty (30) day notice period.
17.2 Governing Law and Jurisdiction: These Terms are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
17.3 No third party has any right to enforce these Terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
17.4 Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer under applicable law. If any part of these Terms conflicts with your legal rights, those rights will take precedence to the extent required by law.
18. Consumer cancellation
18.1 Your right to cancel: If you are a consumer and you enter into these Terms at a distance (e.g., online, by email or telephone), you may cancel within 14 days from the day after we confirm your storage account/acceptance. You may use any clear statement to cancel (email is sufficient).
18.2 Requesting an immediate start: If you ask us to start services during the 14‑day period (for example by arranging delivery of Goods to the warehouse), you agree that we may begin providing storage and related services immediately upon receipt. If you later cancel within the 14‑day period, you will pay for services provided up to the time you tell us you wish to cancel (including inbound handling/admin and storage up to that date).
18.3 What happens to your Goods on cancellation: On cancellation, we will make your Goods available for collection or, if you prefer, arrange delivery at your cost. If you do not collect or arrange return of your Goods within 14 days of cancellation, standard storage charges may continue to apply until removal is completed. If the Goods remain uncollected 30 days after cancellation — or within 14 days if payment is overdue or the Goods are rejected under Clause 7 — we may dispose of the Goods in accordance with Clause 7.3.
18.4 Refunds: We will refund any sums you have paid for services not provided as required by law, using your original payment method where possible. This section prevails over any contrary term (for example, the no pro‑rata refunds rule does not affect your statutory cancellation rights).
Advisory & Valuations Disclaimer: Any market commentary, valuation sources or guidance we provide are general information only, not investment advice, and we do not owe you any advisory or fiduciary duties. We do not undertake to update any such information.