When selling rare and collectible whisky bottles, selecting the right platform can have a significant impact on your profits and the ease of the sale. Both Glenbotal and Just Whisky Auction provide opportunities for sellers to reach buyers, but they operate with different business models and processes. In this post, we will compare these two platforms, highlighting the key factors you need to consider when deciding which one will help you achieve the best outcome for your whisky sale.
| Feature | Glenbotal | Just Whisky Auction |
| Pricing Potential | On average, 40% more than auction prices due to targeted marketing and direct buyer connections. | Auction prices depend on bidder interest and market conditions; can vary greatly. |
| Fees | 15% seller commission, no fees for buyers. Transparent pricing. | 0% seller commission, but £7.50 per lot entry fee, £7.50 for reserves, plus 20% VAT on fees. |
| Payout Speed | ~7 days after the bottle is sent to the buyer. | Payments processed within 21 business days after the auction ends. |
| Audience Reach | Global audience of collectors and investors, ensuring broader exposure and higher sale potential. | Primarily whisky enthusiasts and collectors participating in monthly auctions. |
| Sales Flexibility | List bottles for sale at any time, without waiting for auction dates. | Fixed monthly auction schedule, limiting flexibility to sell when ready. |
| Convenience | Easy 3-step process: send bottle photos, Glenbotal handles the rest including free pickup, photography, and promotion. | Sellers must package and ship bottles, complete forms, and wait for auction dates. |
| Marketing | Extensive global marketing with professional catalogs, online listings, and targeted advertising. | Auction-based marketing with wide buyer reach but less personalized promotion. |
| Sales Outcome | Fixed-price sales ensure predictable, reliable outcomes based on expert valuation. | Auction sales depend on competitive bidding, which can lead to unpredictable results. |
| Market Perception | Reliable platform with expert valuations and a proven record of maximizing seller profits. | Well-known auction house with a strong reputation, but results vary based on auction dynamics. |
| Pickup Options | Free pickup service, with Glenbotal managing collection, packaging, and promotion. | Sellers are responsible for packaging and shipping, or must arrange courier collection at a cost. |
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal’s targeted marketing and global audience allow sellers to achieve, on average, 40% more than what they might receive at auction. By connecting with high-value collectors and investors, Glenbotal ensures that your bottles are marketed effectively, giving you a better chance to maximize your sale.
Just Whisky Auction:
Just Whisky Auction boasts record-breaking sales prices in some instances, thanks to its wide-reaching monthly auctions. However, auction prices are subject to fluctuations based on bidder interest and market conditions, which can make the final sale price less predictable.
Glenbotal offers more pricing certainty with its expert valuations and fixed-price sales model, while Just Whisky Auction’s auction-driven prices can vary depending on the competitiveness of bidding.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal charges a 15% post-sale commission on sales, with no additional fees for buyers. This transparent pricing structure encourages more buyers and ensures that sellers retain a larger portion of their profits.
Just Whisky Auction:
While Just Whisky Auction offers 0% seller commission, it charges an entry fee of £7.50 per lot, with additional fees for reserve prices (£7.50) and group lots. Additionally, sellers are responsible for VAT on all fees. The absence of commission is attractive, but these multiple fees can add up and reduce the seller’s net earnings.
If you prefer a straightforward fee structure, Glenbotal’s commission-based model may result in higher net profits, while Just Whisky Auction’s 0% commission can be appealing, provided the additional fees don’t erode your earnings.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal offers a seamless, seller-friendly process in just three simple steps: take pictures of your bottle, send them via WhatsApp, and Glenbotal takes care of everything else. From pickup and photography to marketing and selling, Glenbotal eliminates the hassle for sellers, allowing you to sell your bottles anytime without waiting for specific auction dates.
Just Whisky Auction:
Just Whisky Auction’s process requires sellers to complete a submission form, package and ship their bottles, and wait for auction dates. While Just Whisky does offer the option for courier collection, sellers are still responsible for ensuring their bottles are packed properly, adding complexity to the selling process.
Glenbotal’s easy 3-step process offers more flexibility and convenience compared to the submission and shipping requirements at Just Whisky Auction.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal employs extensive, professional marketing efforts to reach a global audience of collectors, investors, and whisky enthusiasts. This includes online listings, glossy catalogs, and targeted digital advertising, ensuring maximum visibility for your bottles.
Just Whisky Auction:
Just Whisky Auction promotes its lots to a wide audience of bidders every month. While it boasts a strong buyer base and regularly achieves high sale prices, the auction model may not provide the personalized marketing attention that Glenbotal offers.
Glenbotal’s marketing is designed to reach a global, high-value audience with targeted advertising, giving sellers a better chance to maximize their sale compared to the broader auction approach of Just Whisky Auction.
Glenbotal:
Once your whisky is sold through Glenbotal, payments are typically processed within 7 days after the bottle is sent to the buyer, giving sellers a quick turnaround.
Just Whisky Auction:
Just Whisky Auction guarantees payment within 21 business days following the end of the auction. While payments are generally processed within two weeks, sellers may still need to wait longer depending on the auction schedule.
Glenbotal offers faster payments, providing more immediate access to your earnings compared to the longer auction-based timelines at Just Whisky Auction.
Both Glenbotal and Just Whisky Auction offer compelling reasons to sell your whisky bottles on their platforms. Glenbotal’s fixed-price model, global reach, and hassle-free process make it an ideal choice for sellers seeking predictability, convenience, and maximum profit. On the other hand, Just Whisky Auction offers the potential for record-breaking sales, especially for rare and highly sought-after bottles, although auction outcomes and fees can be less predictable.
When deciding between the two, consider what matters most to you: the certainty of a fixed-price sale with expert marketing, or the potential for higher (but variable) returns through a competitive auction environment.
