How to Buy Wine Wholesale: Fees, Duty and Storage
Updated
Learning how to buy wine wholesale usually means learning auction platforms. They let you acquire fine wine at prices typically associated with wholesale. You bid on lots from private collectors and sometimes the auction houses themselves. This approach allows you to bypass traditional retail markups. It also involves understanding specific fees, taxes, and logistical considerations. For example, WineBid applies a 17% buyer's premium to the hammer price. Christie's charges 25% for wine in New York. You will also be responsible for sales tax, which varies by location. Christie's collects New York sales tax at 8.875% for lots collected in New York. Delaware auctions through Zachys do not impose sales tax on tangible personal property. Storage and shipping are additional costs. Many houses offer initial free storage, such as WineBid's minimum of two months at Global Storage Network (GSN) for all purchases. Carefully evaluating these factors is crucial for calculating your true all-in cost.
What are the typical fees when buying wine at auction?
When buying wine at auction, the primary fee you will encounter is the buyer's premium. It sits on top of the hammer price of each lot you win. This premium varies significantly between auction houses and sometimes by sale location or category. For instance, WineBid applies a 17% buyer's premium to the final hammer price of all lots purchased through auction, as stated by WineBid. Zachys generally charges a 25% buyer's premium on the hammer price, unless otherwise indicated by Zachys.
Other auction houses have different structures. Bonhams, for UK Wine and Whisky sales, charges 24% of the hammer price, according to Bonhams. Christie's London charges a 25% buyer's premium for Wine, Spirits and Cigars lots, as per Christie's London Conditions of Sale. For Christie's New York, the buyer's premium for wine is 25% of the final bid price of each lot, according to Christie's New York Conditions of Sale. iDealwine, for auctions from 27 March 2026, charges a buyer's premium of 25.8% including tax (21.5% excluding tax) of the hammer price. That premium goes to the operator of auction sales (IWA SARL), as detailed in iDealwine's General Terms of Service.
Sotheby's Global Wines & Spirits sales apply a 24% buyer's premium on all hammer prices. A further 1% Overhead Premium applies as well, as stated by Sotheby's. Other Sotheby's sales, such as in New York, use a tiered premium. It runs 28% on the hammer price up to and including $2,000,000, then 22% between $2,000,000 and $8,000,000, and 15% above $8,000,000, according to Sotheby's. These rates exclude local taxes and any applicable artist resale rates.
The following table summarizes buyer's premium rates for various auction houses:
| Auction House | Location/Category | Buyer's Premium Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sotheby's | Global Wines & Spirits | 24% + 1% Overhead Premium | On all hammer prices |
| Sotheby's | New York / UAE / KSA | 28% up to $2M, 22% $2M-$8M, 15% above $8M | On hammer price |
| Christie's | London Wine, Spirits and Cigars | 25% | On the hammer price |
| Christie's | New York Wine | 25% | On the final bid price of each lot |
| Bonhams | UK Wine and Whisky | 24% | Of the hammer price |
| Zachys | General (unless otherwise indicated) | 25% | Of the hammer price |
| WineBid | All auction lots | 17% | On the final hammer price |
| iDealwine | Auctions (from 27 March 2026) | 25.8% incl. tax (21.5% excl. tax) | Of the hammer price, paid to IWA SARL |
Understanding these premiums is a key step in calculating the total cost of your acquisition. You can use our landed cost calculator to factor in these and other charges.
How do taxes and duties affect the final cost?
Taxes and duties can significantly impact the final cost of your wine. These charges vary by jurisdiction and auction house. The successful bidder is responsible for all applicable taxes. Those include VAT, GST, sales, or compensating use tax, or equivalent tax, wherever they may arise on the hammer price and the buyer's premium, as stated by Christie's London.
In the United States, Christie's collects New York sales tax at a rate of 8.875% for any lot collected from Christie's in New York, according to Christie's New York Conditions of Sale. For shipments to other states, Christie's New York collects the same 8.875% New York sales tax. That charge lifts only if a tax exemption is on file, or if specific freight forwarder conditions apply for international shipments. Zachys also states that New York sales tax applies to the buyer's purchase for New York Live Auctions and New York Internet Auctions. Title and ownership pass in New York. However, for Delaware Live Auctions and Delaware Internet Auctions, Zachys need not charge or collect sales tax on property sold within Delaware. The state does not impose sales tax on tangible personal property, according to Zachys.
WineBid collects sales tax on all purchases in Napa County, CA, where title passage occurs. The exceptions are international shipments, and shipments to states where a direct shipper permit is held, according to WineBid. For wines delivered to Louisiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Wyoming, WineBid collects and remits taxes pursuant to each state's requirements. California resellers can avoid sales tax by providing copies of their ABC license. WineBid does not accept ABC licenses from other states.
Should you buy in bond or duty paid?
For lots offered in bond, such as those marked with a ‡ symbol by Christie's London, you can choose to take them in bond or duty paid. If you choose to buy in bond, no excise duty or clearance VAT applies to the hammer price. VAT still applies to the buyer's premium, according to Christie's London. If you choose duty paid, your invoice picks up excise duty at current rates. It also picks up clearance VAT on the duty-inclusive hammer price. Christie's cannot cancel or refund these charges. iDealwine informs non-Resident Customers (outside the European Union) that customs and excise duties are not included in the buyer's premium. It charges them in accordance with legislation in force, as per iDealwine's General Terms of Service.
Many wines and goods offered for sale arrive as imports. They may be subject to tariffs, duties, taxes, or other governmental charges imposed or adjusted after the time of purchase, according to Zachys. Buyers are responsible for any increases in these costs. Similarly, Christie's London states that you alone are responsible for any applicable taxes, tariffs, or other government-imposed charges relating to the export or import of the lot.
What are the storage and shipping considerations?
After a successful bid, managing the storage and shipping of your wine is a crucial logistical step. Auction houses typically outline specific timelines and responsibilities for buyers.
Christie's London states that the risk and responsibility for the lot transfer to you at the earlier of two moments: when you collect the lot, or at the end of the 30th day following the auction date. That holds unless you agree otherwise. If you do not collect a lot by the end of the 90th day, Christie's London will charge storage costs. It may also move the lot to a third-party warehouse, incurring transport and administration fees. Christie's New York expects buyers to remove their property within seven calendar days of the auction. Lots left beyond 120 calendar days sit at the buyer's expense and risk with a third party, The Wine Cellarage, at its New York storage location, according to Christie's New York Conditions of Sale.
Zachys requires you to collect wines within 14 calendar days. After that, Zachys moves them to its own storage at your expense, as stated by Zachys. iDealwine charges storage fees of €0.15 per bottle per day. Those fees take effect on the 31st day following the order confirmation, if purchases have not been paid for within 15 days, according to iDealwine.
WineBid offers a minimum of two months of free storage at Global Storage Network (GSN) for any wines purchased on WineBid, regardless of membership tier, as stated in WineBid's FAQs. Collector tier members receive four months of free storage. Pro tier members receive six months. WineBid places all wines purchased on its platform into GSN's temperature- and humidity-controlled warehouse.
Who arranges shipping after the sale?
Buyers are generally responsible for making all shipping arrangements. Christie's London can arrange packing, transport, and shipping if you ask. It recommends asking for an estimate, especially for large or high-value items. Christie's New York also offers to arrange packing and shipping at the buyer's request and expense. WineBid partners with GSN for white glove storage and shipping services. Customers schedule shipments online, and WineBid bills the charges. Shipping options vary by destination. WineBid strongly recommends shipping to a commercial address, or an address where an adult is always present, to ensure delivery.
It is your sole responsibility to determine whether wines can travel from or into any state or jurisdiction. You must also obtain any required permits or licenses prior to shipment, as stated by Christie's New York and Zachys. Christie's New York, for example, currently ships wine to New York, Florida, New Hampshire, and Wyoming. For New Hampshire, Christie's may not ship more than twelve 9-liter cases or equivalent to any one consumer in a calendar year. It collects an 8% fee of the hammer price plus buyer's premium. For Wyoming, Christie's may not ship more than 108 liters to any one household within any twelve-month period. It collects a 12% fee there.
For more details on managing your cellar, you can explore our guides on how to store wine.
How do auction houses handle authenticity and condition?
When acquiring fine wine, especially older vintages, the authenticity and condition of the bottles are paramount. Auction houses provide varying levels of assurance and disclaimers.
Christie's London states that their description of any lot, condition report, and any other statement made about a lot are their opinion. You should not rely on them as a statement of fact. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of sale. Neither Christie's nor the seller makes any representation or warranty as to condition. However, Christie's London offers an authenticity warranty for wines and spirits. Within 21 days of the auction date, Christie's must receive written notice from the buyer that the lot was short or ullaged, or that a catalogue statement was not well-founded. The buyer must also return the lot in the same condition within 14 days. Christie's will then set aside the sale and refund the amount paid, provided certain conditions are met, such as the defect not being mentioned in the catalogue. Christie's New York has a similar authenticity warranty, also requiring notice within 21 days and return within 14 days.
Zachys and any consignor disclaim liability for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in descriptions. That disclaimer covers decisions the buyer makes on those descriptions, according to Zachys. They strongly encourage prospective buyers to examine lots at their temperature-controlled warehouse before the auction. Zachys also offers an authenticity warranty for wine and spirits, with conditions similar to Christie's. Those include a 21-day notice period and return of the lot in the same condition within 14 days.
iDealwine guarantees that wines will be authentic and will conform to their published descriptions, according to iDealwine's General Terms of Service. However, information regarding wine levels, status of corks, capsules, and labels is only indicative. iDealwine cannot guarantee the condition of the cork. For older wines, iDealwine states that it cannot guarantee tasting characteristics.
WineBid states that each bottle in auction undergoes a rigorous inspection by their team of trained inspectors. That inspection describes the condition accurately and reduces risk to buyers. However, by participating in auction, you accept that all purchases are made "as is." WineBid does not offer refunds or exchanges for issues like cork taint or oxidation, as nobody can observe these until the bottle is opened. WineBid's team of WSET Level 2 or 3 certified inspectors uses a proprietary multi-point inspection system to verify authenticity and protect against counterfeit wines. WineBid built that system over nearly 30 years, with validation checks specific to producer, vintage, and region.
For a deeper understanding of wine condition, you can consult our guide on wine ullage levels explained.
What are the payment and bidding procedures?
Understanding the payment and bidding procedures is essential for a smooth auction experience. Most auction houses require immediate payment or within a short timeframe after the auction.
Christie's London requires payment of the purchase price no later than the end of the 7th calendar day following the auction date, according to Christie's London Conditions of Sale. That price covers the hammer price, buyer's premium, and any applicable taxes. If you fail to pay by the due date, Christie's may charge interest at a rate of 5% a year above the UK Lloyds Bank base rate. It may also cancel the sale. Christie's New York also expects payment immediately after the auction. The full amount falls due no later than 4:30 p.m. on the seventh calendar day following the sale.
Zachys expects buyers to settle payments or any outstanding balances within 14 calendar days for live sales. Internet sales allow 7 calendar days. After these periods, Zachys reserves the right to charge the buyer's credit card on file for any outstanding amounts. It may also cancel sales for invoices unpaid 31 days after the auction closes, as stated by Zachys. iDealwine requires payment once it confirms the order. Any outstanding payment after 7 days will accrue interest at a rate equal to one and a half times the legal interest rate referenced in France. Storage fees accrue from the 31st day, according to iDealwine's General Terms of Service.
Which payment methods do auction houses accept?
Common payment methods include wire transfer and credit card. Christie's London accepts wire transfers and most major credit cards, but does not accept cash in England. Christie's New York accepts wire transfers, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and China UnionPay. Cash, money orders, or travelers checks carry a maximum aggregate limit of $500 per buyer per year. Zachys accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and UnionPay, noting a 2% processing fee for credit card payments. iDealwine accepts card payments (both French and non-French cards) and bank transfers. Cash payments there are only possible for orders of €1,000 or less, and iDealwine takes no cheques.
Bidding processes vary. All bids are final once submitted, and you cannot cancel them, as stated by Zachys and WineBid. Auctioneers accept bids in person, by phone, by absentee (written bids), or online. Many platforms, like WineBid and iDealwine, offer a "Max Bid" feature. You enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay, and the system bids on your behalf in increments. WineBid displays bid increments ranging from $1 for bids up to $99, to $500 for bids of $5,000 and up. Zachys' increments range from $10 for bids up to $100, to $2,000 for bids of $20,000 and up.
Some auctions feature "parcel lots." The buyer of the first lot has the option to purchase any or all subsequent identical lots in the parcel at the same hammer price, as described by Christie's London, Christie's New York, and Zachys. iDealwine also employs an "Overtime bidding" system. When a bid lands in the final 5 minutes of an auction, the lot extends automatically by 5 minutes. A further bid in the final 30 seconds of the new closing time extends it by 30 seconds. That can repeat up to 9 times.
For more information on navigating the auction process, refer to our guide on how to buy wine at auction.
Acquiring wine through auction can be a strategic way to build your cellar or portfolio. By understanding the nuances of buyer's premiums, taxes, storage, shipping, and bidding procedures, you can make informed decisions.
To ensure you are always getting the best value, compare the all-in costs of auction purchases with other market channels. Our all-in cost comparison on /market-index provides the tools you need to evaluate your acquisitions effectively.