BUYING WHISKY AT AUCTION: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

WhiskyTrades makes it simple to bid on whiskies online. We strive to provide the most straightforward and user-friendly auction service possible. We provide the most competitive rates and service, allowing you to locate and purchase exquisite and rare bottles from all over the world.

STEP 1: SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT

By creating an account, you will gain lifetime access to our monthly and unique auctions. To authenticate users and prevent illicit bidding, registration costs 5€ (+ VAT).

This is a one-time REFUNDABLE amount; if you buy or sell a lot within 12 months of registering, we will credit the fee back to your account.

You just need to place a bid on any lot, then the authentication window will be displayed to complete the process.

To bid or spend over 500€, you need to select your Security Pass. Here's where you can learn more about the Security Pass System.

STEP 2: MAKE YOUR OFFERS

You have the following options when bidding on a lot at a live auction:

FAST BID: Press one of the green buttons on the right of the lot page details to place a fast bid.

These buttons display the amount of the following increment.

After that, you'll be asked to confirm your bid.

DIRECT BID: Type in the amount you're willing to pay for the lot and click "Place your bid."

After that, you'll be asked to confirm your bid.

AUTOMATIC BID: Type in the highest bid you're willing to pay for the lot, then click "Place your automatic bid."

After that, you'll be asked to confirm your bid.

Our system will automatically put additional bids on your behalf each time you are outbid if you set up an automatic bid. You only need to enter the highest amount you're willing to pay for an item. Our algorithm will then continue to bid for you, increasing your maximum price by the lowest increment possible each time. Bid increments change depending on the current bid.

Please consult the table below for more information.

STEP 3: WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE AUCTION?

Auction ends from 9:00 p.m. CET (Central European Time) on the closing date. Once 9.00pm CET is reached, bidding activity on any item will extend the entire auction.

The two conditions required for the auction to close are:

• 9:00pm CET has elapsed
• One of the 3 following conditions takes place:

  • From 9pm to 11pm: no bidding activity for 5 minutes. Bidding activity on any item, will extend the entire auction by a further 5 minutes

  • From 11pm to midnight: no bidding activity for 3 minutes.  Bidding activity on any item, will extend the entire auction by a further 3 minutes

  • After midnight: no bidding activity for 1 minute. Bidding activity on any item, will extend the entire auction by a further minute

STEP 4: COMPLETE AND PAY FOR YOUR ORDER

We will send you an email if you are the highest bidder on any of the lots at the end of the auction.

To complete your order, click the link in your email and follow the on-screen instructions.

More information on payment can be found here.

STEP 5: SHIP, COLLECT OR STORE YOUR ORDER AT OUR PREMISES

If you participated in one of our auctions and won a lot, you can pick between the following choices at the checkout stage:

SHIPPING: Find out all you need to know about shipping your order here.

STORAGE: Find out everything you need to know about storing your order here.

COLLECT: If you reside close to WhiskyTrades, you may pick up your products at our Rome headquarters.

WhiskyTrades | W-Trades srl, Via del fosso di s. Andrea 41, 00118 Rome, Italy +39 06 86357244. Service by appointment: please call us or send email (info@whiskytrades.com) to make arrangements.