Choosing the right platform to sell your whisky can greatly impact your sale’s success and final return. Two popular options, Glenbotal and The Whisky Shop Auction, offer different benefits for sellers. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two platforms, comparing pricing, fees, audience reach, and more to help you decide which auction house best meets your needs.
| Feature | Glenbotal | The Whisky Shop Auction |
| Pricing Potential | On average, 40% higher than auction prices due to targeted marketing and direct buyer connections. | Auction prices vary based on bidder interest and competition. |
| Fees | 15% seller commission, no fees for buyers. Transparent pricing. | £5 registration fee + seller fees (undisclosed percentage). No fees for W Club members. |
| Payout Speed | ~7 days after the bottle is sent to the buyer. | Payment added to Virtual Wallet after buyer pays; timeline depends on buyer. |
| Audience Reach | Global network of collectors and investors, ensuring broader exposure and higher sale potential. | Focuses on UK-based buyers with some international reach. |
| Sales Flexibility | List bottles for sale at any time, without waiting for auction dates. | Sellers must wait for scheduled auction dates to sell. |
| Convenience | Easy 3-step process: send bottle photos, Glenbotal handles the rest, including free pickup and promotion. | Requires account creation, item registration, and shipping or drop-off at UK locations. |
| Marketing | Extensive global marketing with professional catalogs, online listings, and targeted advertising. | Auction-based marketing to UK buyers with W Club exposure. |
| Sales Outcome | Fixed-price sales ensure predictable, reliable outcomes based on expert valuation. | Auction outcomes depend on competitive bidding, which can be unpredictable. |
| Market Perception | Reliable platform with expert valuations and a proven record of maximizing seller profits. | Well-known auction house within the UK with strong buyer community. |
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal consistently helps sellers achieve up to 40% more than traditional auctions by using a fixed-price model. By connecting with serious buyers and collectors through targeted marketing, sellers can avoid the uncertainty of fluctuating auction prices and benefit from predictable outcomes.
The Whisky Shop Auction:
The Whisky Shop Auction operates on a traditional auction model, where prices are determined by the number of bidders and the demand during the auction period. While this can sometimes lead to competitive bidding and high prices, it also means the final price is less predictable and can vary depending on the auction dynamics.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal charges a 15% seller commission with no fees for buyers, making it easy for sellers to understand the costs upfront. This fee covers the complete service, including marketing, valuation, and free bottle collection.
The Whisky Shop Auction:
Sellers on The Whisky Shop Auction must pay a £5 registration fee (or free for members of The W Club). In addition, a seller’s fee is deducted from the final sale price, but the exact percentage is not clearly disclosed upfront. The Whisky Shop also offers the flexibility to keep funds in a Virtual Wallet for future purchases.
Glenbotal:
Once a bottle is sold and delivered, Glenbotal ensures sellers receive payment within 7 days, providing quick access to funds with no delays.
The Whisky Shop Auction:
After a sale, buyers on The Whisky Shop Auction have 7 days to pay. Once the payment is processed, the seller’s funds are added to a Virtual Wallet, which can be used for future purchases or withdrawn via bank transfer. The exact time for sellers to receive their funds can vary based on the buyer’s payment timeline.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal’s global marketing reach connects sellers with high-value buyers and collectors from around the world. Their international network helps ensure that bottles get exposure to the right audience, leading to quicker sales and higher prices.
The Whisky Shop Auction:
The Whisky Shop Auction offers drop-off locations in 22 UK cities, making it convenient for UK-based sellers. However, their audience reach is more localized, focusing on whisky enthusiasts within the UK. While their marketing efforts extend beyond the UK, they may not match Glenbotal’s global reach.
Choose Glenbotal if you prefer a hassle-free selling experience with global reach and higher pricing potential. Glenbotal’s full-service process and fixed-price model offer sellers flexibility and control, while its international network ensures your whisky gets the exposure it deserves.
Choose The Whisky Shop Auction if you are based in the UK and want the convenience of drop-off locations. This platform is ideal for those looking to sell locally and engage with a whisky enthusiast community, especially if you’re a member of The W Club.
Both platforms provide great opportunities for selling whisky, but the right choice depends on your needs—whether you prioritize Glenbotal’s global reach and simplicity or The Whisky Shop Auction’s localized, community-driven approach.
