Selling rare whisky can be a great way to unlock value, but choosing the right platform can make all the difference. Two well-known platforms, Glenbotal and Whisky.Auction, offer distinct advantages for sellers. In this comparison, we will look at key factors such as pricing, fees, convenience, and audience reach to help you decide which platform is better for your whisky selling goals.
| Feature | Glenbotal | Whisky.Auction |
| Pricing Potential | On average, 40% higher than auction prices due to targeted marketing and direct buyer connections. | Auction prices depend on bidder interest and competition. |
| Fees | 15% seller commission, no fees for buyers. Transparent pricing. | £5 +VAT listing fee, tiered commission (2.5% to 20%), £10 +VAT reserve price fee. |
| Payout Speed | ~7 days after the bottle is sent to the buyer. | 2-3 working days after buyer payment, longer for international payments. |
| Audience Reach | Global network of collectors and investors, ensuring broader exposure and higher sale potential. | Global audience of whisky enthusiasts, exposure limited to auction periods. |
| Sales Flexibility | List bottles for sale at any time, without waiting for auction dates. | Auctions take place periodically, requiring sellers to wait for the next auction. |
| Convenience | Easy 3-step process: send bottle photos, Glenbotal handles the rest, including free pickup and promotion. | Seller-managed process, requiring account creation, bottle submission, and shipping management. |
| Marketing | Extensive global marketing with professional catalogs, online listings, and targeted advertising. | Auction-based marketing with a focus on whisky collectors. |
| Sales Outcome | Fixed-price sales ensure predictable, reliable outcomes based on expert valuation. | Auction outcomes depend on bidding dynamics, which can vary. |
| Market Perception | Reliable platform with expert valuations and a proven record of maximizing seller profits. | Well-known auction house with a strong reputation in whisky auctions. |
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal’s fixed-price sales model allows sellers to achieve, on average, 40% higher prices than traditional auctions. By connecting directly with collectors and investors, Glenbotal eliminates auction unpredictability, offering predictable outcomes and maximum returns for sellers.
Whisky.Auction:
Whisky.Auction operates with a traditional auction format, where prices are driven by bidder interest during the auction period. While competitive bidding can sometimes drive up prices, the auction model carries inherent risks, with final prices dependent on the auction’s dynamics.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal charges a 15% seller commission with no fees for buyers. This straightforward fee structure covers expert valuation, professional marketing, and free bottle pickup, making the process simple and transparent for sellers.
Whisky.Auction:
Whisky.Auction charges a listing fee of £5 +VAT per lot. The commission rate is tiered based on the hammer price:
Additionally, a £10 +VAT fee applies if you choose to set a reserve price for your bottle.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal ensures fast payment, typically within 7 days after the bottle has been delivered to the buyer. This quick payout process allows sellers to access their funds promptly.
Whisky.Auction:
Payments at Whisky.Auction are processed 2-3 working days after the buyer has paid, though international payments may take up to 10 days to clear. Sellers must wait for buyers to complete their payments, which may introduce some delay.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal has a global network of collectors and investors, ensuring that your bottles are presented to serious buyers who are actively seeking high-quality whisky. This broad audience helps to drive higher prices and quicker sales.
Whisky.Auction:
Whisky.Auction also caters to a global audience, with a focus on whisky enthusiasts and collectors. Their auctions attract buyers from around the world, but exposure is limited to auction windows, unlike Glenbotal’s continuous marketing efforts.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal offers a full-service process, where sellers simply send photos of their bottles via WhatsApp, and Glenbotal handles the rest. This includes free bottle pickup, expert marketing, professional photography, and listing management. Sellers have complete control over their listings without needing to worry about auction timelines.
Whisky.Auction:
Whisky.Auction requires sellers to manage their listings by creating an account, submitting bottles, and choosing a preferred method of delivery (drop-off, post, or collection service). While Whisky.Auction offers flexibility, the seller is responsible for arranging the safe transport of their bottles.
Glenbotal:
Glenbotal invests in targeted global marketing, including digital advertising, professional catalogs, and online listings. This ensures that each bottle receives extensive exposure to the right buyers, leading to higher sale prices.
Whisky.Auction:
Whisky.Auction promotes lots during the auction period through newsletters and social media, with a strong focus on whisky collectors. While this provides good exposure, the marketing is focused on auction windows, which may limit the bottle’s reach compared to Glenbotal’s continuous marketing.
Choose Glenbotal if you are looking for a hassle-free, full-service experience with higher pricing potential. Glenbotal’s fixed-price model and global reach ensure that sellers can achieve maximum returns without worrying about auction schedules or unpredictability.
Choose Whisky.Auction if you prefer the traditional auction process and are comfortable with managing your listings and transport. Whisky.Auction offers tiered commissions and the flexibility to set reserve prices, making it a good choice for those familiar with the auction model.
Both platforms provide excellent opportunities for selling rare whisky, but your choice will depend on your selling preferences—whether you value Glenbotal’s simplicity and fixed pricing or Whisky.Auction’s competitive auction environment.
