A good bottle of wine, a box of rosé for the summer or a special selection for dinner: you can often buy liquor store items at an attractive price through an auction. Yet there is a difference with the regular liquor store around the corner. In this article, we explain what to look out for when buying alcoholic beverages through an auction, so that you can bid with peace of mind.
Why buy liquor store through an auction?
Auctions are interesting because you regularly find quality wines and spirits below the going retail price. Often these are surpluses, return batches or residual stocks that have to be removed quickly. For the consumer, this means a chance of a great deal, provided you know what to look for. Do you want to get an impression of what is on offer? View all Liquor Store auctions And feel free to compare with the regular selling price.
Pay attention to the product information
Before you place a bid, it is wise to read the lot description carefully. In any case, check:
- The number of bottles. Some lots are one bottle, others a whole box of six. For example, look for phrases like "per box of 6."
- The volume and alcohol percentage. The standard is a wine bottle of 0.75 liters, but there are also half bottles and magnums.
- The vintage vintage. With wine, the year can say a lot about taste and shelf life.
- The condition of label and bottle. A damaged label does not affect the quality, but it is good to know.
Estimating quality and shelf life
Not every wine is meant to be stored for a long time. Fresh white and rosé wines are usually best drunk within one to two years after harvesting. Think of a lively My Pet Sauvignon Blanc (6 pieces) or a summer My Pet Monastrell Rosé (6 pieces)Both ideal to enjoy in the short term.
More powerful red wines and special selections can actually benefit from a few years of aging. When in doubt, look at the grape variety, the area of origin and the year of harvest. For example, a Miguel Torres Chile Las Mulas Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 indicates that it is a recent harvest, which suits a fresh, aromatic style.
Determine your maximum bid in advance
The biggest pitfall in auctions is that in the heat of the moment you pay more than you intended. Prevent this by looking up the regular selling price in advance and determining the maximum amount you want to offer. Take into account any additional costs, such as auction costs and shipping or collection costs. Only when you manage to keep the total amount below the retail price, you really make a good deal.
A handy approach:
- Look up the average retail price of the product.
- Subtract the expected additional costs from this.
- Use the result as your personal upper limit.
Special and rare bottles
In addition to everyday wines, you sometimes come across special selections at auctions that you won't find in every supermarket. An example is the Linaje Garsea Selected Harvest, a selected harvest that lends itself to a special occasion. It is precisely this type of lot that makes auctions attractive: you will find products with a story and a distinctive character.
Delivery, collection and age verification
Alcoholic beverages are of legal age: you must be 18 years or older to purchase them. A valid ID may be requested upon delivery or collection. Keep this in mind, especially if someone else receives the package.
In addition, take a good look at the delivery conditions. With glassware and bottles, careful transport is important. Check if the lot is being shipped or if you need to pick it up, and in hot weather, take into account the storage temperature so that the quality of your wine is preserved.
Practical checklist for bidding
- Read the full lot description and view the photos.
- Check the number of bottles, volume, year and condition.
- Compare with the regular retail price.
- Determine your maximum bid in advance, including additional costs.
- Pay attention to the delivery conditions and age verification.
Conclusion
Buying a liquor store through an auction is a great way to get wine, rosé or a special selection at an affordable price. By carefully reading the product information, estimating the shelf life and maintaining a clear bid limit, you can buy with confidence. Ready to get started? View all Liquor Store auctions and find out which lots suit your taste and budget.