Family Office and Estate Staff: Liquidating a Cellar Discreetly
Family offices and estate staff often manage cellar liquidations for principals who value privacy. This guide covers how to handle these transactions with appropriate discretion.
What to Do Next
Confirm authorization from the appropriate decision-maker. For family offices, this may require approval from the principal, a family member, or a designated officer.
Determine what inventory documentation exists. Professional cellars often have detailed records. Export these if available.
- Confirm authorization from the principal or decision-maker
- Export inventory from cellar management systems
- Note any scheduling constraints or privacy requirements
- Identify who will be the point of contact
- Submit inventory and photos for an offer
What Information Matters for Pricing
Professional cellar inventories typically include the detail we need. If not, we can work with what you have.
- Complete inventory with producer, vintage, quantity, size
- Storage location and conditions
- Original packaging status
- Any bottles requiring special handling
- Preferred documentation formats for records
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Discretion matters but should not prevent thorough documentation. Proper records protect all parties.
- Proceeding without clear authorization
- Insufficient documentation for financial records
- Rushing without allowing time for proper valuation
- Not specifying privacy requirements upfront
- Coordinating logistics without appropriate staff involvement
How the Process Works
We adapt to your requirements and work within the constraints you specify.
- Submit inventory through email, our form, or text to 213-770-9463
- We provide a written offer in your preferred format
- Review with decision-makers
- If accepted, schedule logistics around your constraints
- Payment is issued to the designated recipient with appropriate documentation
Privacy and Safety Notes
We work with high profile families and understand confidentiality requirements. Principal names are never disclosed.
We can sign confidentiality agreements if required before beginning the process.
All pickup and logistics can be coordinated to minimize visibility and align with household schedules.
Documentation is provided in formats suitable for your accounting and record-keeping requirements.
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
Can you sign an NDA before we share details?
Yes. If confidentiality agreements are required, we can execute those before receiving inventory information.
How do you ensure discretion?
We do not disclose principal names or transaction details. Pickups are scheduled to minimize visibility. All communications are confidential.
What documentation do you provide?
We provide detailed offers and receipts. Formats can be adapted for your accounting systems or record-keeping requirements.
Can you work with professional storage facilities?
Yes. We coordinate directly with storage facilities for inventory verification and transfer where permitted.
How long does the process take?
Initial offers typically take one to five business days depending on collection size. Full transactions take two to six weeks depending on logistics.
Can we do this in phases?
Yes. We can liquidate in batches if that works better for your situation.
Who should be the point of contact?
You designate the contact. We communicate with whoever you specify and do not contact others without permission.