4 Main Ways to Sell Collectible Wine

1. Auction

While wine auctions are popular, they are also unpredictable. Auction houses cannot provide price guarantees, only estimates with a low-to-high range. And most wines sell in the range of low-to-20%-above-low estimates, with many lots left unsold or only the most sought-after wines selling. If your wine does not sell, you can try auctioning it again at a lower estimated price range or have it sent back to you at your expense. Auctions will also charge a fee for the sale, insurance, shipping, and storage of the wine, with the buyer paying the commission.

2. Consignment

By going through a broker, you can sell your wine on consignment. The broker will take physical possession of the wine but not the title to it, the two of you will agree on a price, then the broker will look for buyers. This may be the best way if you are not in a hurry to sell your wine, as you can give the broker time to find the right buyer.

3. Cash sale

A broker can also help you with a cash sale. This is the quickest way to get paid because the deal is between you and the buyer. The buyer takes possession of the wine and is able to inspect the wine for condition issues and confirm the inventory. The buyer then pays the seller – typically immediately, unless previous terms have been negotiated.

4. Combination of cash and consignment

In some cases, a buyer may purchase some of the wine as a cash deal, while tougher-to-sell bottles may be sold on consignment.