To bid in any ACE auction you need to have an account on our website. Here's how:

1. Log in using your ACE credentials - Your auction login is linked to your ACE membership.
2. Become an ACE member - If you are not yet a member, you need to sign up through the ACE website. Depending on the membership that you choose you will get access to member-only pricing and benefits.
3. Finally, accept the Bidding Agreement for the auction you want to bid on - Before each auction, you must confirm the Bidding Agreement for the event so we can evaluate your application to bid.

Once these steps are completed, we will review your application. If approved, you will be able to place bids in the auction. Please note that we may request a credit card check or additional information as part of this process.

You must log in or register on the ACE website and create an account. To register, choose one of the following options available on the ACE website.

1. Purchase a sample set
2. Order the auction registration only

Once your details are confirmed, you can access our auction platform and apply to bid. You’ll receive exclusive discounts on registration options if you're an ACE member.

Remember: The Bidding Agreement contains all the important information about each auction. It's very important that you read it before participating in any auction. By applying to bid, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted the Bidding Agreement.

Please note that the Bidding Agreement is reviewed annually to reflect any changes in the circumstances of the producers. Therefore, you must accept the current version of the Bidding Agreement each time you wish to bid. You will not be able to participate in an auction unless you have accepted the Bidding Agreement for the current year.

Please remember that you won't be able to participate in an auction unless you've accepted the bidding agreement for the current year.

The review process can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email once your application has been reviewed—either confirming your approval or requesting additional information. We recommend submitting your application well in advance of the auction to ensure there's enough time for review.

Your account in the auction platform is managed by ACE. To update any details in your profile you need to go to "My Account" page:

1. Log in to your account using your ACE membership credentials.
2. Please navigate to the "Membership" menu and select "My Account" from the dropdown.
3. Update your details and save the changes.

We are introducing new features to improve your auction experience

1. Live chat: Ask questions or share comments with Admins in real time during the auction
2. Paddle Number: Easily identify your bids with your personal paddle number.
3. Progressive Clock – Watch the auction timer adjust dynamically as the auction progress
4. Announcement on the Top: Stay updated with important info displayed at the top of the screen.
5. SMS Message to your phone: Receive real-time SMS updates so you don't miss a lot
6. Email Notifications: Get key updates directly in your inbox.
7. Live videos where you can see the producers or get more information during the auction.

And this is just the beginning! We’ve got more features coming your way soon!

ACE runs two auction formats: Helmsman auctions and live auctions. The format is shown on the auction page — if you see auction clocks and auto-bid buttons, it's a Helmsman auction; if you see a live stream and a single current lot, it's a live auction. The sections below explain how bidding works for both formats.

ACE runs two auction formats — Helmsman auctions and live auctions. This answer covers Helmsman auctions; for live auctions, see the Live Auctions section below.

The most important part of any auction is the bidding. Specialty coffee auctions follow a 'Helmsman' style format, also known as a 'multi-unit' auction. Here's how it works

• Open bidding starts and continues on all lots simultaneously until each and every lot has received an initial bid.
• As soon as each lot has received a bid, the auction clock for each lot, starts ticking down from 3 minutes towards zero.
• Every time a bid is placed, the auction countdown timer resets—starting at 3 minutes. This year, the timer will shift to shorter intervals as bidding progresses. Here’s how it works:
  1. When the auction enters countdown mode, any new bid placed on any lot resets the timer to 3 minutes.
  2. At 12:00 PM New York (EST) time, the timer is shortened to 2 minutes.
  3. By 2:00 PM New York (EST) time, the countdown is reduced again—this time to just 1 minute (60 seconds). Any new bid placed on any lot will reset the timer to 1 minute.
  
• Once the clock reaches zero, a "PENDING" notification will appear. This does not signify the auction's closure, even if no further bids are visible. The auction is only finalized when the system displays "FINISHED."
• Once the auction displays 'FINISHED', the highest bid is declared the winner, and the company that placed that bid becomes the owner of the lot. At this point, all lots are locked from further bidding.

This system ensures that full value is achieved for each lot in the auction, as the outcome of each lot is tied to the overall auction activity. The more participants bid, the longer lots remain open across the auction, increasing competition and value. This helps ensure producers receive fair prices for their coffee and contributes to the sustainability of their farming practices.

You can place a bid in two ways:

Bid at the next suggested increment:

1. Click the "Bid" button.
2. Confirm your bid by clicking "Confirm."

Enter a higher bid:

1. Type your desired bid amount into the text box next to the "Bid" button. You must enter an amount that's at least the current bid plus the required minimum increment
2. Confirm your bid by pressing "Confirm."

Remember:

• Each time you place the highest bid, your paddle number will appear in the row of that specific lot.
• Whenever any user places a bid, all participants will see a notification that says: Heads up! Someone placed a bid!"
• Stay alert during the auction to make sure you don't lose the lot to another bidder.

No. Once a bid is placed and confirmed, it is binding and cannot be withdrawn or cancelled. By placing a bid, you agree to honor it if you win the lot.

As part of the process, you have signed the Bidding Agreement, which outlines your responsibility to follow through on any confirmed bids. Please review your bid carefully before confirming, as all participants are expected to act in good faith and uphold the terms of the auction.

An auto bid (also called a "Proxy Bid") allows you to set the maximum price you're willing to pay for a lot. The platform will then automatically place bids on your behalf - using the minimum increment (e.g., $0.10) - just enough to keep you in the lead, up to your specified maximum.

1. To place an Autobid: Your autobid must be higher than the current highest bid in order to be accepted.
2. Example: If you set an autobid at $30/lb, the system will automatically bid in $0.10 increments (or the minimum increment set for that auction) up to your $30/lb limit.
3. Once the bidding exceeds your maximum, your auto bid will stop, and you will need to place a new one if you wish to continue bidding.

Steps to set up an auto bid:

1. Click "Auto Bid."
2. Enter the maximum bid amount that you are willing to pay for a lot.
3. Click "Confirm" to activate your autobid.

You can remove or change your autobid at any time, as long as it hasn't been triggered by an active bid

Play Video to learn how

• Your auto bid must be higher than the current highest bid.
• The platform will automatically place bids on your behalf, only increasing your bid when necessary by the minimum increment
• If another bidder has placed a lower auto bid, the system will outbid them automatically up to your maximum amount.
• If another bidder has placed a higher auto bid, the system will outbid you. To continue participating, you'll need to place a new autobid or bid manually.

You can adjust or remove your auto bid at any time:

To change your auto bid:

• Click "Autobid" button, and then enter a new amount, and confirm.

To remove your auto bid:

• Click "Remove Auto Bid" and confirm the removal.

Legends of Excellence is an elite designation awarded to coffee producers who have consistently demonstrated exceptional quality, earning multiple Cup of Excellence wins over the years. Selected from six countries, these producers represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication.

Beyond producing world-class coffee, Legends of Excellence are also leaders in their communities. Each of these producers has made a lasting impact by investing in social programs that uplift fellow farmers, workers, and local communities. Whether through education initiatives, sustainability projects, or mentorship programs that guide the next generation of coffee growers, these legends are not only shaping the future of coffee but also strengthening the communities that make it possible.

The Alliance for Coffee Excellence and Cup of Excellence honours these producers not just for their extraordinary coffee but for their commitment to fostering a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.

The auction will take place on this platform.

In a live auction, one lot is offered at a time by the auctioneer, who moves through the lots in sequence. There are no countdown clocks — the auctioneer sets the pace and announces each lot as it comes up.

The length of a live auction is set by the auctioneer and depends on the number of lots and the pace of bidding. There are no countdown clocks — the auctioneer moves through the lots at a live pace, so the duration can vary from event to event. The Legends auction is expected to run approximately fro two hours.

Check the auction page for the start time and schedule.

When the auctioneer opens a lot, it becomes the current lot and bidding is open:

1. Click the "Bid" button on the current lot.
2. Enter your bid amount, or bid at the next suggested increment.
3. Confirm your bid.

Your paddle number will appear with your bid, together with your company name and country. Watch the lot carefully — the auctioneer moves through the lots at a live pace, and a lot can close once bidding concludes.

Yes. The auctioneer accepts bids from the room and from online bidders on the same lot. The highest bid — whether placed in the room or online — wins the lot.

No. Auto-bids (proxy bids) are only available in Helmsman auctions. In a live auction, lots are offered one at a time by the auctioneer, so please be present online during the auction and place your bids manually on each lot as it is opened.

The live auction is streamed online. The streaming will be displayed in the chat box of the auction. We recommend joining a few minutes early to make sure your connection is stable. Please remember that there can be a small delay on the stream compared to the live event in the room — the platform will reflect in-room bids as the auctioneer updates them.

No — the process is the same as for any ACE auction: create your account on ACE website, apply to bid, and accept the Bidding Agreement. Applications are reviewed within up to 24 hours, so please apply well in advance of the auction.

Proceeds will make an impact:

1. 50% will support Cup of Excellence education programs for producers
2. 50% will go toward social projects supported by these producers in their home countries

The initial phase - before all lots have received a first bid - typically lasts around one hour, though this may vary depending on the number of lots and participating buyers.

Once the auction clocks begin, the duration depends entirely on bidding activity and demand. Don't be fooled into thinking this type of auction is over quickly - specialty coffee auctions often last several hours.

For live auctions, the duration is set by the auctioneer and depends on the event schedule — check the auction page for the start time and expected length.

To monitor your progress during the live auction, look for the blue bar - it shows your current winning lots and relevant details in real time.

To review your bidding history and overall auction activity, visit the "My Account" page on the auction platform. There, you can access your auction profile, view your auction applications, and check your bidding history in the corresponding tabs.

During the auction, the platform will display real-time status updates on each lot:

• - You currently have the highest bid on this lot.
• - Another bidder placed the highest bid and won the lot.
• - Someone has outbid you, and you are no longer in the lead.
• - Another bidder has entered a new bid on this lot.
• - You placed the highest bid and secured the lot.
• - Your bid was outbid, and someone else won.

After the auction ends, winners will be notified via email and on the auction platform. You can also check your bidding history to see if you have won.

• If you win a lot, you'll receive an email confirmation with payment instructions and additional details.
• Follow the steps provided to complete your payment. Once your payment is confirmed, arrangements for shipping or pickup will be coordinated.
• Please note that the Bidding Agreement also outlines important information about payment terms, timelines, and responsibilities - make sure you're familiar with it before participating in any auction.

It depends on the auction format:

• Helmsman auctions: bidders remain anonymous during the auction and are identified by a random 'Paddle Number' only.
• Live auctions: online bidders' company name and country are displayed alongside their bids, together with their paddle number.

In both formats, the identity of the highest bidder for each lot is made public when the winners are declared at the end of the auction. The winners' details are passed on to the producers and used to form the contract for the sale of the coffee.

If you experience technical issues during the auction:

1. Refresh the auction page and try again.
2. Check your internet connection.
3. Try using a different browser or device.

If the problem continues:

• Contact customer support as soon as possible by our chat or by sending us an email at allianceforcoffeeexcellence@v-auction.com.
• If you receive a server error, please take a screenshot and email it to us to allianceforcoffeeexcellence@v-auction.com along with the error code so we can investigate quickly.

For any questions about the auction or assistance, please contact our support team via:

• Email: allianceforcoffeeexcellence@v-auction.com and kathia@cupofexcellence.org
• Phone: +505 8396 2431
• Live Chat: Available on the auction platform during auction hours.