Privacy and Safety When Selling High Value Bottles

Why Privacy Matters

High-value wine and spirits collections represent significant assets. Advertising what you have can attract unwanted attention.

Privacy protects you from theft, fraud, and unwanted solicitation. Discretion is appropriate when dealing with valuable items.

Choose buyers who understand confidentiality. Avoid publicizing your collection unnecessarily.

Protecting Your Information

Be thoughtful about what information you share and with whom. Legitimate buyers need enough information to evaluate your bottles, but not your life story.

Avoid sharing your full address in initial communications. Use email or phone first. Share location details only after establishing trust with a buyer.

Do not post detailed cellar photos on public social media. If you want to show off bottles, consider private groups or friends-only settings.

• Share inventory details, not personal information initially
• Use email or phone before disclosing address
• Avoid public social media posts about valuable collections
• Verify buyer identity before arranging pickups
• Be cautious with strangers asking detailed questions

Safe Transaction Practices

Use payment methods that protect you. Wire transfers and certified checks are typical for larger transactions. Be cautious of unusual payment requests.

For shipped bottles, insure the shipment for full value. For pickups, verify the buyer or their representative's identity before allowing access.

Get agreements in writing. A clear offer and acceptance, documented via email or text, protects both parties.

• Use traceable payment methods
• Insure shipped bottles for full value
• Verify identity before pickup access
• Get agreements in writing
• Keep records of all communications

Common Scams to Avoid

Watch for warning signs. Buyers who pressure you to decide immediately, refuse to provide written offers, or ask you to ship before payment are red flags.

Overpayment scams involve someone sending a check for more than the agreed amount, then asking you to wire back the difference. The original check bounces, and you lose money.

Fake shipping services, where a buyer arranges their own shipper who requests payment from you, are another common fraud.

• High-pressure tactics or artificial urgency
• Refusal to provide written offers
• Requests to ship before payment clears
• Overpayment with refund requests
• Third-party shippers requesting fees from you
• Buyers who cannot explain their process clearly

Meeting Buyers Safely

If meeting a buyer in person, choose a safe location. For small transactions, public places work. For larger pickups at your home, verify the buyer's business and identity first.

Have someone else present during home pickups. Do not meet strangers alone, especially if they know you have valuable items.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, postpone or cancel. Legitimate buyers understand reasonable caution.

How We Protect Sellers

We handle seller information confidentially. Your contact details and collection information are not shared publicly or with third parties.

All offers are provided in writing via text or email. We explain our process clearly and answer questions.

For pickups, we coordinate with professional carriers who are insured and vetted. We do not send random individuals to your home.