European Whisky Auctions European Whisky Auctions

Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

On this page you will find frequently asked questions and answers related to selling whisky. Is your question not here? Please do not hesitate to contact us !

I want to auction a bottle. How do I start?
At European Whisky Auctions, you can auction whisky in two ways. You can do it yourself or you can leave it to us. You can read all about it in our quickstart for selling whisky . That is a good starting point.
Can I auction anything related to whisky?
Well, almost everything... At the regular auctions we only accept whisky. Once in a while we also hold a special auction for whisky related items such as books, art objects, cask ends and so on. Keep an eye on our website for these announcements.
Are there any bottles that you do not accept?
Yes, there certainly are.
  • Bottles with broken seals cannot be auctioned. An exception is made for broken customs seals (as long as the original bottle seal is intact).
  • Also bottles with a too low filling level (less than the low shoulder) cannot be accepted.
  • Bottles of which the label is too damaged will also not be admitted to the auction.
  • (Unofficial) re-fill bottlings or samples.
  • Finally, ceramic decanters of which the weight (as a determination of the filling level) is too low will also not be accepted.
  • Bottles we don't trust. And that's always up to us. That's why it's advisable to always contact us before sending in bottles.
Is it allowed to bid on my own bottles?
No, this is strictly forbidden and even considered illegal in many countries. We actively monitor this and as soon as we notice that people are bidding on their own lots (or via friends and acquaintances), we are allowed to immediately exclude these users from the platform.
I want to receive a minimum price for my bottle. Is that possible?
It is possible to set a reserve price as a kind of insurance. You can set a reserve price for the small amount of € 6,50. If the minimum price is not reached, the bottle does not have to be sold.
What are the guidelines for setting a reserve price?
We have a few guidelines for accepting reserve prices. We reserve the right to refuse or adjust reserve prices that conflict with our auction policies. Guidelines:
  • The expected hammer price must exceed €100.
  • The reserve price must be realistic and may not exceed 80% of the current retail price or 80% of comparable hammer prices achieved within the last 6 months.
  • All reserve prices are rounded down to the nearest valid bidding increment.
What happens if my bottle is not sold?
If your bottle is not sold at the auction, we offer you the opportunity to relist it once free of charge. If your bottle remains unsold after the free reintroduction, you will have to pay the listing fee of € 7,00 again for each time you relist the bottle.
What fees are involved as a seller?
As a seller you have to pay a listing (or registration fee, if you like) for each bottle and a fee for placing a reserve price (if set). The reserve price fee is on a per lot basis. For each listing fee paid, you are entitled to one free relisting (if the bottle has not been sold). After that, the listing fee must be paid again. You can find the current prices here .
Can you pick up whisky from me?
Yes, we can. We have fixed routes for the Benelux and northern France, as well as Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Not in one of these regions? Please get in touch to see what we can arrange.
Are there any conditions attached to you picking up whisky from me?
Yes, a few:
  • We would appreciate receiving a list of the bottles in advance. This allows us to estimate how much time and space to reserve.
  • We also ask that you pack the bottles well, but leave the boxes open. Our driver will tape them shut once the contents have been checked together.
  • A minimum of 10 bottles applies for a pickup. The combined (estimated) hammer price of these 10 bottles should be around 1500 euros.
I am outside the European Union. Can I sell with you?
Yes, you can. However, you should always contact us before sending any bottles.
When will I get my money?
As soon as the auction is over, the invoices for the buyers are automatically generated and sent out. Buyers must pay within three working days. Once payment has been received, you will be notified that the bottle can be dispatched. We normally pay out within ten working days after receiving payment for the bottles.
Who is responsible for the bottles at each stage of the auction?
In short: you are responsible for the bottles until they are in our possesion. We are responsible from the moment we receive the bottle(s). We are not responsible for damage due to customs inspection or transportation. If customs returns a package, the shipping costs are for the seller. These will not be refunded.