Selling Wine and Spirits During Bankruptcy or Asset Liquidation
Bankruptcy and asset liquidation require careful handling of personal property. This guide covers how to document and sell wine and spirits collections while working with trustees and legal counsel.
What to Do Next
If you are in bankruptcy proceedings, the trustee typically has authority over asset sales. Coordinate with your attorney and trustee before proceeding.
Once you have authorization, the goal is to document the collection accurately so we can provide a fair offer quickly.
- Confirm who has authority to sell (trustee, debtor with approval, or counsel)
- Gather any existing inventory, purchase records, or storage documentation
- Photograph the collection without disturbing storage
- Create a list with producer names, vintages, quantities, and sizes
- Submit photos and inventory for an offer
What Information Matters for Pricing
We need enough information to provide an accurate offer. The more detail you can provide, the faster and more precise the valuation.
- Producer names and vintages for all bottles
- Quantities and bottle sizes
- Storage history (professional storage, home cellar, temperature controlled)
- Original packaging or wood cases
- Any condition issues
- Purchase documentation if available
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Timing matters in bankruptcy proceedings. Delays can affect case timelines and storage costs.
Incomplete documentation makes it harder to get accurate offers and can slow the process.
- Selling without trustee or court authorization
- Underestimating storage costs while waiting
- Providing incomplete inventory information
- Discarding original cases or documentation
- Missing deadlines set by the court
How the Process Works
We work with trustees, attorneys, and individuals to make the process straightforward.
- Submit photos and inventory through our form or text to 213-770-9463
- We provide a written offer within one to three business days
- If accepted, we coordinate logistics with whoever is managing the assets
- Payment is issued after we receive and verify the bottles
Privacy and Safety Notes
We provide written documentation suitable for court filings and estate accounting. Offers and receipts detail the inventory and sale terms.
All transactions are handled confidentially. We do not disclose seller information publicly.
We can work with trustees, attorneys, or the debtor directly, depending on who is authorized to manage the sale.
What to Do Next
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
Who needs to authorize the sale in a bankruptcy?
Typically the bankruptcy trustee has authority over asset sales. We confirm authorization after reviewing your submission and will work with your trustee or attorney as needed.
Can you provide documentation for court filings?
Yes. We provide written offers and detailed receipts that document the inventory sold, the price, and the transaction date.
How quickly can you complete a purchase?
Offers are typically provided within one to three business days. The full transaction can be completed in one to three weeks depending on logistics and approval requirements.
What format do you need for the inventory?
A spreadsheet or list with producer names, vintages, quantities, and bottle sizes is ideal. Photos of labels help us identify wines accurately. We can work with less formal formats if needed.
Do you work with professional storage facilities?
Yes. We can coordinate directly with storage facilities for inventory verification and pickup where permitted.
What if the collection is large?
We handle collections of all sizes. For large collections, we may schedule a virtual walkthrough or request inventory in batches to provide accurate offers.
How is payment handled?
Payment is issued to the authorized party after we receive and verify the bottles. We can issue payment to a trust account or other designated recipient as required.