Shipping Policy

This Shipping Policy outlines how shipping works across our platform. Please read it carefully before placing a bid or listing a product.

Section 1 – How Shipping Works

Coral Auctions is a marketplace platform where individual sellers list live coral and marine items for auction. As such, it is the seller’s responsibility to contact the buyer to arrange delivery and/or collection. Sellers should use the contact details provided to coordinate directly. Please note that Coral Auctions does not facilitate or oversee delivery arrangements.

When you place a winning bid, the shipping cost (if applicable) will be added to your order at checkout.

Section 2 – Shipping Rules

A standard, site-wide shipping fee of £14.99 that applies to all coral orders. This rate covers Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm.

All corals must be shipped using this service.

If a seller uses an alternative delivery method and the coral arrives damaged or does not survive, the buyer will be entitled to an immediate refund, regardless of the circumstances.

Section 3 – Shipping Locations

Sellers on Coral Auctions currently offer shipping to addresses within the United Kingdom.

Please note:

  • Shipping to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or international destinations is not supported at this time.
  • Any bids placed with a delivery address outside the supported regions will be cancelled.

Section 4 – Shipping Costs

The standard shipping cost is £14.99, plus £0.50 per additional item per order. This is clearly shown on the auction page and again at checkout.

Section 5 – Combined Shipping

If you win multiple auctions from the same seller, an additional charge of £0.50p per item won is assigned automatically at checkout.

Section 6 – Packaging & Delivery of Live Coral

Sellers are responsible for:

  • Using temperature-controlled, insulated packaging
  • Clearly labelling live coral shipments
  • Choosing reliable courier services (Royal Mail) with appropriate tracking and handling

If the coral arrives dead due to improper packaging or unsuitable delivery methods, the buyer will be entitled to a full refund.

It is the buyers responsibility to:

  • Ensure someone is available to accept the delivery
  • Provide accurate address and contact information

If the buyer fails to accept delivery on the agreed date, or provides inaccurate address information resulting in the coral’s death, no refund will be issued.

Missed or delayed deliveries may impact coral survival — Coral Auctions cannot be held responsible for delivery issues beyond the seller’s or buyer’s control.

Section 7 – Information Shared Between Buyers and Sellers

To facilitate the smooth processing and delivery of auction items, limited information is shared between buyers and sellers after a purchase is completed.

When a buyer wins an auction, the seller will receive:

  • The buyer’s full name
  • Delivery address
  • Contact email address
  • Contact phone number (if provided during checkout)

This information is provided solely for the purpose of fulfilling the order and must not be used for any other purpose, including marketing or unsolicited communication.

The buyer does not receive any of the seller’s personal information, other than store name and email address to facilitate delivery organisation, and where applicable for arranging collections. In such cases, sellers may voluntarily provide a collection address or contact number for coordination.

Both parties are expected to keep this information private and secure, and to use it only in accordance with Coral Auctions’ policies and relevant data protection laws.

Section 8 – Shipping Issues, DOAs & Disputes

If you receive a damaged item, dead coral or encounter issues with shipping:

  1. Contact the seller directly within 3 hours of delivery
  2. Attach a clear photograph of the coral in its original packaging
  3. Attach a second photograph of the coral once it’s been removed

Coral Auctions facilitates communication but does not directly handle disputes — resolution is between the buyer and seller. However, if a resolution cannot be reached, and only after all of the above information has been provided, you may request our assistance in mediating the issue.

Section 9 – Collection

In certain cases, in-person collection of coral may be permitted. If the seller offers this option, it will be available for you to select during the checkout process.

Please note:

  • Not all sellers offer or accept collection
  • Sellers are under no obligation to allow collection
  • If a seller does agree, arrangements must be made directly between the buyer and seller
  • Payment must still be made through the Coral Auctions website prior to collection — direct payments are not permitted
  • Collection must be completed within a reasonable timeframe
  • When collecting coral in person, please ensure it appears healthy and in good condition before accepting it. If you notice any issues at the time of collection, do not proceed with acceptance, and notify us immediately if you wish to cancel the transaction.
  • The release of funds will follow the same process as it would for shipped orders, regardless of whether the coral is collected in person.

Coral Auctions is not involved in collection logistics and does not take responsibility for any issues arising from collection-based transactions.