Choosing the right platform to sell your rare whisky can significantly impact your sales results and overall experience. Glenbotal and WVA Whisky Auctions are two major options, each offering distinct advantages. In this comparison, we’ll break down the differences between these two platforms, focusing on pricing, fees, ease of use, and payout timelines to help you decide which auction house aligns best with your selling goals.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal consistently delivers up to 40% higher prices than traditional auctions. This is achieved through a fixed-price model, which provides sellers with more predictable outcomes by connecting them directly with collectors and investors willing to pay premium prices for high-quality bottles.
WVA Whisky Auctions:
WVA Whisky Auctions operates a traditional auction model where prices depend on bidding dynamics. While this can lead to competitive sales and sometimes high prices, the outcome is less predictable and depends on the activity of bidders during the auction.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal charges a 15% post-sales commission with no fees for buyers. This fee covers the comprehensive services they offer, including expert valuations, marketing, and free bottle collection.
WVA Whisky Auctions:
WVA Whisky Auctions offers 0% commission for sellers, making it attractive for those looking to avoid seller fees. However, there is a £5 + VAT listing fee per bottle. For buyers, WVA charges a 10% + VAT commission on winning bids, with an additional 3% + VAT late fee if payment is delayed by more than three days.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal processes payments within 7 days of the buyer receiving the bottle, making it one of the faster platforms for sellers to access their funds.
WVA Whisky Auctions:
WVA Whisky Auctions also offers fast payouts, typically within 5-7 days after the auction ends, ensuring that sellers receive their money quickly.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal connects sellers with a global network of collectors and investors, ensuring broad exposure to a targeted audience. This means faster sales and higher prices for rare bottles.
WVA Whisky Auctions:
WVA Whisky Auctions also has a global audience, but its auction-based format limits exposure to the auction period. While they cater to whisky lovers worldwide, sales are confined to specific auction cycles.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal’s full-service process is designed to make selling whisky as hassle-free as possible. Sellers send photos of their bottles, and Glenbotal handles everything else—from bottle collection to marketing and listing.
WVA Whisky Auctions:
WVA Whisky Auctions requires sellers to register their bottles and provide listing details themselves, but they offer free bottle collection via courier, making the process simple for sellers. However, sellers need to actively track and manage their bottles during the auction.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal utilizes extensive global marketing, including professional photography, online listings, and targeted advertising, to ensure bottles get maximum exposure. This ongoing marketing ensures bottles reach the right buyers, even outside of auction periods.
WVA Whisky Auctions:
WVA’s marketing efforts are focused on promoting bottles during their auction periods. While effective during the auction, this limited exposure may result in less visibility compared to Glenbotal’s continuous campaigns.
| Feature | Glenbotal | WVA Whisky Auctions |
| Pricing Potential | Fixed-price sales with an average of 40% higher than auction prices. | Auction prices based on bidder activity, potential for competitive bidding. |
| Fees | 15% post-sales commission, no buyer fees. | 0% seller commission, £5 + VAT listing fee per bottle, 10% + VAT buyer commission. |
| Payout Speed | ~7 days after bottle is sent to the buyer. | 5-7 days after auction ends. |
| Audience Reach | Global network of collectors and investors. | Worldwide audience, but exposure limited to auction periods. |
| Sales Flexibility | List bottles anytime, no need to wait for auction dates. | Auction-driven sales, with specific auction dates. |
| Convenience | Full-service process, including free pickup and marketing. | Seller-managed process, but free courier collection is provided. |
| Marketing | Extensive, continuous global marketing campaigns. | Auction-only promotion during specific auction periods. |
| Sales Outcome | Fixed-price sales ensure predictable results. | Auction-driven, results depend on bidding dynamics. |
| Market Perception | Known for reliability and maximizing profits for sellers. | Well-regarded for its 0% seller commission and ease of use. |
Choose Glenbotal if you want a full-service experience with the potential for higher pricing through fixed-price sales. Glenbotal’s hassle-free process and strong marketing make it ideal for sellers looking for a hands-off approach and reliable profits.
Choose WVA Whisky Auctions if you prefer auction-style sales and value a 0% seller commission. WVA’s auction format may appeal to those seeking quick sales, but it requires more seller involvement.
Both platforms offer excellent opportunities for selling rare whisky, but Glenbotal’s comprehensive service and marketing give sellers more control and potentially higher returns, while WVA’s 0% seller commission provides an appealing cost structure for auction-driven sales.
