Auction vs Direct Purchase vs Consignment
How to choose a path based on speed, certainty, and the types of bottles you have.
Updated
Quick Answer
Choose based on risk tolerance.
- Auction: High Risk / High Reward / Slow.
- Direct Purchase: Agreed offer / Payment after inspection and acceptance / No auction wait.
- Consignment: Medium Risk / Medium Reward / Slow.
Detailed Breakdown: Auctions
Auctions are theater. They rely on two bidders getting into a fight to drive up price.
- Buyer's Premium: The buyer pays ~25% on top of the hammer price. This limits what they bid.
- Seller's Commission: You pay ~15% to 0% depending on value.
- Listing Fees: Insurance, photography, cataloging fees add up.
- Timeline: Submission -> Catalog (1 month) -> Auction (1 month) -> Collection (1 month) -> Payout (1 month).
Detailed Breakdown: Direct Purchase
We agree on an offer and document the terms before arranging shipping or a local transaction. For shipped bottles, payment is issued within 24 hours of receipt and inspection/acceptance, as outlined in your signed purchase agreement. In about 95% of shipped transactions, payment is made the same day the bottles arrive. For local transactions, payment is made on the spot. Sellers pay no separate fees.
- Fees: None (net to you).
- Timeline: Submit details -> Agree on the offer -> Ship with our packaging and prepaid label or arrange a local appointment -> Inspection and acceptance -> Payment.
- Certainty: An agreed offer subject to inspection and acceptance under the purchase agreement; no auction bidding or unsold lots.
Detailed Breakdown: Consignment
You place wine in a retailer's shop. When it sells, you get paid.
- Split: Typically 75/25 or 80/20 (You get the larger share).
- Control: You often set the price.
- Speed: Glacial. It sells when a customer walks in and wants it.
Hidden Fees Checklist
Ask before you sign.
- Insurance Fee (usually 1%).
- Pickup/Logistics Fee.
- Buy-back Fee (cost to get your own wine back if it doesn't sell).
- Photography Fee.
What to Do Next
Evaluate your bottle.
- Is it a $10,000 bottle? Maybe try auction.
- Is it a $200 bottle? Direct sale is far more efficient.
- Get a Direct Offer from us first to set a baseline.
Get an Offer for Your Bottles
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do auctions take so long?
They usually run quarterly or monthly schedules and need time to print catalogs and market the sale.
Can I set a reserve price?
Yes, but if the reserve isn't met, the wine doesn't sell and you often still pay fees.
Do you offer consignment?
Sometimes, for exceptional collections where the seller wants to wait for a specific price.
Who buys at auction?
Collectors, investors, and sometimes restaurants.
Is direct sale fairer?
It is more transparent. You know exactly what you get.