Below we have a selection of the most common questions that need answering. Should you have an additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us directly here

Who Are Irish Whiskey Auctions?

At Irish Whiskey Auctions, we’re passionate whiskey enthusiasts — just like you. We created this platform to offer a safe, secure, and trusted online marketplace where collectors, sellers, and buyers can trade whiskey with confidence.
Our mission is to bring the global whiskey community together through a seamless auction experience that celebrates quality, transparency, and trust.
Want to learn more about the people behind Irish Whiskey Auctions Ltd.?
Visit our About Us page to meet the team and discover our story.

How to Participate with Irish Whiskey Auctions

Getting involved with Irish Whiskey Auctions is easy — whether you're looking to buy rare bottles or sell your whiskey collection, the first step is to register on our platform.
Simply complete the registration form and pay a small, one-time verification fee. This ensures a secure environment for all users and confirms you're eligible to trade (18+ in the Republic of Ireland).
Please note: you must be registered to place bids or submit bottles for auction. Once you're signed up, you'll have full access to our trusted online whiskey, spirits and wine marketplace.
Register now to get started

How Does Irish Whiskey Auctions Work?

We've designed our platform to be as simple and user-friendly as possible — making it easy for you to buy or sell whiskey online with confidence.
To help you get started, we’ve created clear step-by-step guides:
🥃 How to Sell
🛍️ How to Buy
If you have any other questions, our team is here to help — just reach out via our Contact Us page. We're happy to guide you through every step of the process!

When Do Irish Whiskey Auctions Take Place?

Our monthly whiskey auctions begin on a Friday evening at 5PM (17:00) and run for 9 full days, giving buyers and sellers plenty of time to get involved. Each auction closes the following Sunday at 7PM (19:00) — but don't wait until the last minute!
To ensure fair bidding, we use anti-sniping software that automatically extends the closing time of any item if a bid is placed in the final moments.
Learn more about how anti-sniping works
Stay tuned and join us each month for the chance to discover rare bottles, limited editions, and unique whiskey, spirits and wine finds.

Bottle Responsibility: From Seller to Buyer

As the seller, it's your responsibility to ensure your bottles are securely packaged and delivered to one of our offices or depots in good time for listing in the upcoming auction. Please note that any damage occurring during transit to us is the seller's liability.
Once your items arrive safely at our premises and in good order, from that point forward, Irish Whiskey Auctions takes full responsibility — your bottles will be stored in our secure, insured facilities until they are successfully sold.
After a bottle is sold, responsibility transfers to the buyer the moment it leaves our premises for delivery.
This process ensures a safe, transparent, and trusted auction experience for both buyers and sellers.

What If I'm Not Happy with My Experience?

At Irish Whiskey Auctions, we pride ourselves on delivering a trusted, customer-focused service — but we're also human, and occasionally things might not go as expected.
If you're ever unhappy or dissatisfied with any part of your experience, please give us the opportunity to make it right. Our team is here to help, and how we respond truly sets us apart.
Call us directly on 01-5242142
Or email our admin team at info@irishwhiskeyauctions.ie
We're committed to resolving any issues quickly, professionally, and with the care you deserve.

What Are the Fees and Charges for Using Irish Whiskey Auctions?

At Irish Whiskey Auctions, we aim to keep our fees transparent, competitive, and easy to understand — for both buyers and sellers.

Registration Fee
To access our platform, a one-time €5 registration fee is required. This helps us verify your identity, confirm you are over 18 (the legal age for alcohol sales in Ireland), and maintain a safe trading environment.

Seller Fees
If you're listing bottles for auction, the following fees apply:
Commission: 5% of the final hammer price
Listing Fee: €4 per item
Optional Reserve Fee: €8 (only if you choose to set a reserve price)
Third-Party Settlement Fees: Additional charges may apply when using certain payment providers

Buyer Fees
If you're bidding on bottles, here's what you need to know:
Commission: 10% of the winning bid
Non-EEA Credit Card Surcharge: 3% for payments made with credit cards issued outside the European Economic Area
Shipping Costs: Visit our Shipping & Delivery Charges page for full details • Late Payment Penalty: Late payments

VAT Notice: All fees, surcharges, and shipping costs are subject to VAT as per Irish tax regulations.

By keeping our charges clear and fair, we ensure a trusted, seamless whiskey auction experience for all users.

What Happens If an Auction or Bidding Process Is Interrupted?

At Irish Whiskey Auctions, maintaining a secure, fair, and reliable auction environment is our top priority. While auction interruptions are extremely rare, we have robust security protocols and contingency plans in place to protect both buyers and sellers.
In the unlikely event of a system disruption or if the integrity of an auction is compromised, we will immediately take appropriate action to ensure fairness and equal access for all participants. This may include temporarily pausing or rescheduling the auction to maintain full transparency and trust.
If any security measures or protective actions are activated, all registered users will be notified promptly with clear updates.
For your safety, please note that no financial or banking information is ever stored on our platform. All transactions are processed securely through trusted third-party payment providers.
We are committed to delivering a safe and seamless whiskey auction experience, no matter what.

Why Registration Is Required

To bid or sell items on our website, you'll need to complete a quick registration process. This helps us maintain a secure, trustworthy platform by ensuring that every user is verified and all transactions are fully traceable by our admin team.
A small one-time registration fee is required — this confirms your payment method and verifies that you're over 18, the legal age for buying or selling alcohol in the Republic of Ireland.
By registering, you're helping us keep the marketplace safe, transparent, and compliant for everyone.

How to Register on Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Registering is quick and easy! Simply fill out the online registration form HERE, making sure to complete all required fields — especially your email address and home address, as these are essential for account verification and successful bidding or selling.
Our secure payment portal accepts all major credit and debit cards, making it easy to complete your one-time registration fee.
Once registered, you'll be ready to start bidding on rare whiskey bottles, spirits and wine bottles or listing your own for sale in our trusted marketplace.

Are My Payment Details Secure on Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Absolutely — your payment information is 100% secure. All transactions on our platform are processed through Stripe, a trusted global leader in secure online payments.
Like most reputable websites, we use a third-party payment provider to ensure the highest level of data protection. Irish Whiskey Auctions does not store or access your payment details at any stage — everything is encrypted and securely managed by Stripe.
You can bid, buy, and sell with total peace of mind knowing your payment information is safe and protected.

What Happens After I Register with Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Once you've completed the registration form and verified your email address, you're all set to start using our platform! You'll be able to place bids on live auctions or submit your own bottles for sale straight away.
Registration is a one-time process, so once you're verified, you can return to buy or sell whiskey on Irish Whiskey Auctions anytime you like — no need to register again.
Join our growing community of whiskey, spirits and wine collectors, enthusiasts, and sellers — and start exploring rare finds and exciting opportunities today!

Is My Identity Visible to Other Users?

No — your personal details are completely private. Irish Whiskey Auctions uses an anonymous bidding and selling system, meaning other users cannot see your identity, whether you're placing a bid or listing an item for sale.
This privacy-first approach helps ensure a fair, transparent auction environment by preventing any form of collusion or price manipulation. By keeping bidder and seller identities confidential, we protect the integrity of every auction and maintain trust across our community.
Your security, privacy, and fairness are central to everything we do.

Can I Update My Account Details After Registering?

Absolutely! Once you've completed your registration, you'll have full access to your personal “My Dashboard” area.
From your dashboard, you can easily update your account details, including contact information and address, at any time. You'll also be able to track the status of your auction listings, monitor your active bids, and manage your whiskey, spirits and wine buying and selling activity with ease.
We've made it simple to stay in control of your account and your auction experience.

I Registered as a Bidder — How Can I Start Selling?

If you originally registered as a buyer or bidder but now wish to sell whiskey through our auctions, the process is quick and easy!
You may use the same account to buy or sell with us.
You may contact the Irish Whiskey Auctions team here if you have any questions and we will be happy to help you on your journey with us.
You'll be all ready to list your bottles, set reserves, and join our growing community of whiskey, spirits and wine sellers.

How Do I Place a Bid in an Irish Whiskey Auction?

Bidding on your favourite bottles is simple! Once you've completed your registration HERE, you'll have full access to participate in any of our live whiskey auctions, live spirits auctions and live wine auctions.
Browse the auction listings and, when you find a bottle that interests you, review the details carefully to ensure it's the right item for your collection or investment.
Ready to bid? Just enter your desired amount in the bid box and click the “Place Bid” button. That's it — you're in the running!
Join whiskey, wine and spirits lovers from around the world and experience the excitement of bidding on rare and collectible bottles, all in a secure and trusted environment.

How Does the Bidding Process Work at Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Bidding on our platform is straightforward and secure. All items listed in our live auctions are submitted by registered users and showcased on our Current Auction page.
To place a bid, simply enter your maximum offer into the numeric bidding box and click “Place Bid”. We use a proxy bidding system, which means our system will automatically bid on your behalf—only increasing your bid in small increments as needed, up to the maximum amount you've set.
This ensures you stay competitive without needing to monitor every moment of the auction.
Don't forget: A buyer's commission is added to the final hammer price if you win the item.
Our platform is designed to deliver a fair, user-friendly, and exciting whiskey auction experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

What Is Proxy Bidding at Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Proxy bidding is an automated bidding system designed to help you stay the highest bidder without needing to constantly monitor the auction.
Here's how it works:
You simply enter the maximum amount you're willing to pay for an item. Our system will then automatically place bids on your behalf, only increasing in small, pre-set increments based on competing bids and the current auction price.
This ensures you stay competitive — but never overpay.
The exact bid increments are determined by our bidding step table, which you can view here.
With proxy bidding, you get the best chance to win your favourite whiskey, spirits or wine bottles while enjoying a stress-free, fair bidding experience.

How Will I Know If I'm the Highest Bidder?

Staying updated during the auction is easy! On each item listing page, you'll see a real-time bid status notification just above the current bid price. This lets you know whether:
• You're the highest bidder
• You've been outbid
• You haven't placed a bid yet
In addition to the on-site updates, you'll also receive email notificationsevery time you place a bid and whenever another user outbids you.
This way, you'll always know where you stand and can act fast to secure your desired bottle in the auction.

How Much Time Do I Have to Place a Bid?

Each auction listing includes a live countdown timer, showing exactly how much time remains before bidding closes. This helps you stay on top of your favourite items and plan your bids accordingly.
All auctions officially end at 7PM (19:00 GMT) on the closing date. However, to ensure a fair bidding process, we use an anti-sniping system:
If a bid is placed within the final 10 minutes, that individual lot will automatically be extended by 20 minutes — giving all interested bidders a fair chance to respond.
This feature ensures a transparent and competitive bidding environment right up to the very end.

What Is Anti-Sniping in Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Anti-sniping is a key feature of our auction system designed to ensure fair and competitive bidding for all users — especially during the final moments of an auction.
In traditional online auctions, some bidders attempt to place a last-second bid to win an item without giving others time to respond. Our anti-sniping software prevents this by extending the auction by 20 minutes if a bid is placed within the final 10 minutes of a lot's scheduled closing time.
The auction for that lot will only close when there's no new bidding activity for a full 10 minutes, giving all interested bidders a fair opportunity to place their best offer.
This system promotes transparency, fairness, and a level playing field for both casual buyers and serious collectors.

Can I Retract a Bid on Irish Whiskey Auctions?

We understand that mistakes can happen during the bidding process. If you've accidentally entered an incorrect bid, you can place a new lower maximum bid (as long as it's not below the current highest bid). This will update or reduce your proxy bid limit.
If you need further assistance or wish to retract a bid completely, please contact our admin team as soon as possible at info@irishwhiskeyauctions.ie, explaining the nature of the error.
Please note:
• All bids are securely logged and recorded within our system
• Bid retractions may be granted at our discretion, but only if they do not affect the ongoing auction process
• You are ultimately responsible for all bids placed through your registered account
We’re here to help if something goes wrong — just reach out and we’ll do our best to resolve it fairly.

I've Won an Item – What Happens Next?

Congratulations! If you're the highest bidder when the auction closes, you'll receive an email confirmation letting you know you've won.
You can view all your successful bids in your “My Dashboard” area, where you'll also find the option to complete your payment. Alternatively, you can use the secure payment link provided in your "Item Won" email.

Your final invoice will include:
• The winning bid amount
• The buyer's commission
• Shipping charges
• Any applicable VAT

Simply choose your preferred payment method and finalise your purchase — your whiskey is almost on its way!
If you are a coupon user, make sure you enter it at the payment point, as it cannot be added later.

What Is the Buyer's Commission at Irish Whiskey Auctions?

The buyer's commission is a 10% fee applied to the final hammer price of any item you win at auction. This fee helps support the secure operation and continued improvement of our trusted auction platform.

Please note:
VAT is applicable on the buyer's commission
Shipping costs are also subject to VAT, where applicable
Your total cost will be clearly itemised at checkout, so you'll always know exactly what you're paying.

When Will I Receive My Won Whiskey Auction Item?

Once your full payment has been completed and cleared, we'll begin processing your order for shipment to your chosen delivery address.
We aim to dispatch all items within 5 working days of receiving full and verified payment.
If you have any special shipping instructions or questions about delivery, feel free to reach out to our friendly support team:
Email: info@irishwhiskeyauctions.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 5242 142
We're here to ensure your bottle reaches you safely, securely, and on time.

Can I Collect My Won Item in Person?

Yes — you're welcome to collect your auction items directly from our offices in Dundalk, but prior arrangement is required.
To schedule a collection, please contact our office team in advance to arrange a suitable time.
Email: info@irishwhiskeyauctions.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 5242 142
Please note: Items will only be released once all outstanding payments have been fully settled.
Enjoy the convenience of local pickup while saving on shipping costs!

What Are the Delivery Charges at Irish Whiskey Auctions?

We've partnered with trusted couriers to offer safe, reliable, and competitively priced delivery rates, ensuring your won whiskey items arrive securely and on time.
We ship to most countries worldwide, though please note that some restrictions may apply due to alcohol shipping regulations.
To view our latest rates, visit our Shipping & Delivery Charges page for a full breakdown of costs by region.
If you have any questions about delivery options, international shipping, or custom arrangements, please contact our team — we're happy to help!

How Do I Sell Whiskey on Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Selling your whiskey, spirits or wine through our platform is simple, secure, and designed to get you the best value. We've created a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to sell whiskey at auction — covering everything from submitting your bottle to setting a reserve price.
Whether you're selling a single rare bottle or an entire collection, our process is straightforward and user-friendly.
Have questions or need help getting started? Our friendly team is here to assist — don't hesitate to contact us for support at any stage of your selling journey.

How Much Is My Whiskey Worth at Auction?

Determining the exact value of your whiskey bottle can be challenging, as auction outcomes depend on current buyer interest and market demand.
In some cases, a bottle can exceed expectations when multiple bidders compete, driving the price above any initial estimate. However, the opposite can also occur — if the item is less in demand or doesn't attract attention during the auction, it may sell for less than anticipated.
While we can provide a guide price based on historical auction results and similar past sales, please note that this is an estimated valuation and not a guarantee.
Every auction is unique — and that's part of the excitement!
Contact us if you'd like an estimated price based on previous sales data. We're happy to help guide your expectations.

Can I Set a Reserve Price on My Whiskey Auction Item?

Yes — you absolutely can place a reserve price on your item to ensure it doesn't sell below your preferred minimum value. A small administration fee of €8 applies for setting a reserve.
While setting a reserve offers added protection, we recommend keeping it realistic and competitive. A reserve that's set too high may discourage potential bidders and reduce the chances of a successful sale.
Need advice on setting a reserve? Contact our team — we're here to help you strike the right balance for a successful auction outcome.

Can I Bid on My Own Items at Auction?

No — bidding on your own items is strictly prohibited on Irish Whiskey Auctions. Our system automatically blocks sellers from placing bids on listings associated with their own account.
We also actively monitor for shill bidding — where friends or family attempt to place artificial bids to inflate the item's price. This practice is against our terms and conditions.
Any user found engaging in shill bidding or attempting to manipulate auction outcomes will be permanently removed from the platform and excluded from all future auctions.
We are committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and trusted auction environment for every buyer and seller.

What If My Item Doesn't Meet Its Reserve Price?

If your item does not reach its reserve price during the auction, you have two options:
1. Re-list the item in the next available auction
2. Request a return of the item

Please note:
• The cost of returning the item is the responsibility of the seller and will only be arranged once all outstanding fees are fully settled
• If you choose to re-list, standard listing fees apply again
• An item can be re-entered into auctions for a maximum of three consecutive months

We're here to help you get the best possible result — feel free to contact our team for guidance on relisting or adjusting your reserve.

When Will I Receive Payment for My Sold Items?

We aim to process your seller payment as quickly and efficiently as possible, using your chosen payment method.
To ensure a smooth transaction, we allow a short window for the buyer to receive their item and raise any potential issues. Once this period has passed, we will issue payment to you within 21 days from the close of the auction.
Please note: Any outstanding fees or charges will be automatically deducted from your final sale balance before payment is made.
Our priority is to ensure a secure and trusted experience for both buyers and sellers — every step of the way.

How Can I Track the Status of My Auction Items?

You can easily monitor the progress of your listed items at every stage by logging into your “My Dashboard” on Irish Whiskey Auctions. From here, you'll see real-time updates on your items — including bidding activity, current status, and final sale results.
In addition, our system will automatically send you email notifications whenever there are updates to your listings or when an item has been successfully sold.
Need help or have a question? Our team is always here to assist — contact our office anytime for personalised support.

How Do I Send My Whiskey for Auction at Irish Whiskey Auctions?

Once you've registered your items for auction, it's important to ensure they arrive at our offices before the auction deadline date. You are fully responsible for the safe delivery of your items, and we offer three convenient ways to get them to us:

1. Send via Courier or Postal Service
This is the most popular option. Package your bottles securely using ample protective materials to prevent damage during transit.
Please note: Irish Whiskey Auctions does not accept liability for any damage that occurs during shipping to our premises.

2. Deliver in Person to Our Dundalk Offices
You're welcome to bring your items directly to our office during opening hours. However, we do not accept responsibility for any items until they have been checked and confirmed by our team.
Please phone us to arrange an appointment time for drop off.

3. Use One of Our Designated Drop-Off Points
For added convenience, we've partnered with select locations to offer secure drop-off points for upcoming auctions.
• You must complete a submission form, either beforehand or at the depot
• Some drop off depots have preferred drop off times , you can view these in our locations link below.
• Irish Whiskey Auctions assumes no responsibility for these items until they are received and assessed by our team
👉 View our drop-off locations and details here

By following these steps, you help ensure your bottles are ready for successful listing in the next live auction. If you have any questions, our team is here to assist.

Who Is Responsible for My Bottles During the Auction Process?

As the seller, it is your responsibility to ensure that your bottles are safely packaged and delivered to one of our offices or approved drop-off locations in good time for listing in the next auction. You are also liable for any damage incurred during transit to our premises.
Once your items are received and checked by our team, Irish Whiskey Auctions assumes full responsibility for your bottles.
We store all items in secure, insured facilities until they are sold.
Once a bottle is sold, responsibility transfers to the buyer as soon as the item leaves our premises for delivery.
Our process is designed to ensure safety, transparency, and peace of mind at every step of the auction journey.

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