Found Bottles in an Office Closet: How to Handle and Sell Them
What to photograph, how to avoid damage, and how to confirm who can authorize a sale.
Quick Answer
Executive assistants and office managers often uncover stashes of gifts—Scotch, Bourbon, Champagne—that have accumulated over years.
- Confirm with management/finance who authorizes the liquidation.
- Check dates on Champagne (it expires/goes flat).
- Whiskey and Spirits are likely still excellent.
- Inventory the items.
- Sell to a licensed buyer to keep it compliant.
Corporate Ownership
These bottles are technically company assets. Selling them requires a paper trail.
- Proceeds should generally be paid to the company entity, not an individual.
- We can issue payment to 'Corp Inc.' or as directed by the authorized officer.
- This is a great way to fund a holiday party or charitable donation.
Inventorying the 'Gift Closet'
Office closets are rarely climate controlled, so wine may be risky. Spirits are the target here.
- High Value: Blue Label, Macallan, Pappy Van Winkle, Louis XIII.
- Low Value: Standard Jack Daniels, Vodka, perishable mixers.
- Check seals: Office bottles are sometimes opened for a toast and put back. We cannot buy opened bottles.
Common Mistakes
Mistreating potential value.
- Giving away $1,000 bottles as door prizes because you didn't know the value.
- Storing boxes near heating vents.
- Throwing away the outer presentation boxes (keep everything).
What to Do Next
Clear the closet.
- Group bottles by type.
- Snap photos.
- Discard anything opened.
- Send us the photos for a quote.
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 pay the company credit card?
We pay via Check, Wire, or ACH. We do not pay via credit card refund.
Is selling corporate gifts legal?
Yes, a company can divest surplus assets. Selling to a licensed entity like Proof Cellars ensures compliance.
What if the wine was in a filing cabinet?
If the office is air-conditioned (70°F), wine might be okay for a few years. Spirits are definitely okay.
Do you pick up?
For large office collections in major metros (NY, LA, SF), we may arrange courier pickup.
Do I need the boss's permission?
Yes. We require you to affirm you have authority to sell the items.