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Buying on Unicorn
Unicorn’s weekly auctions are where you’ll find the bottles you’ve been searching for.
Buying with us is easy.
Start by registering your free account on any desktop or mobile device. Our timed-based auctions allow you to set bids, walk away, and check back on the prices whenever you want.
Transparent pricing.
We charge a 15% buyer's premium and 10.25% sales tax on each transaction. This is automatically added to the hammer price at the end of each auction.
A platform built on trust.
Bottles that are up for auction on Unicorn go through a multi-step process to ensure their authenticity. Rest assured every item you see on Unicorn is not only in our physical possession, but it has been examined, uniquely photographed and cataloged before listing.
Buying FAQs
Registering to bid or consign is always free.
To bid, register on our web platform, bid.unicornauctions.com or on our mobile app, available for both iOS and Android (download here). Then find the bottles you are interested in and select bid.
Our auctions utilize auto-bidding so you enter a maximum bid and the system bids for you as economically as possible.
Yes, absolutely. If you find something you want to give as a gift, all you need to do is bid on the product and win - we can deliver the gift with whatever details you've got in mind, to whoever the lucky recipient is. Or, if you'd like to buy auction credit for someone as a gift, reach out with a message and we'll get back to you ASAP.
We charge 15% buyers premium on your winning bid, with no registration charges or membership fees up front. You only pay when you win.
Yes, both! When you win you can choose to store your bottle with us, or have it shipped to you. The destination state must permit individuals to ship spirits to themselves from out of state. We take pride in working with you to make sure your unicorns are safely delivered to the right place. The pricing depends on the number of bottles. We don't take shipping or storage lightly, safe keeping and delivering perfection are of upmost importance to us. Contact us ahead of time if you have any questions.
Our consignors set the reserve price for their bottles. That said, we recommend the reserve price be set close to the low end estimate provided, and we start most bids at a much lower price to aid us in price discovery for similar items listed in the future.
With autobidding, our system does the monitoring for you. You set a maximum bid, and the system bids for you as economically as possible up to your maximum. Every time someone outbids you, your autobid comes into action. This ensures you never pay more than you have too and you don't have to keep an eye on the lot.
Bottles are shipped out within 21 days of Unicorn receiving payment
Selling on Unicorn
The trusted platform to find a new home for the bottles you’re looking to move.
Know what it’s worth.
We offer free appraisals for anyone looking to sell on Unicorn. It’s important to us that you know what you have before making any decisions.
We only make money if you do.
For every one of your bottles that sells, Unicorn charges a $5/bottle commission plus 5% of the hammer price. In the rare instance your item doesn’t sell, we’re happy to re-list or return to you at your discretion.
High-touch service.
To guarantee authenticity and comply with state jurisdiction, we take possession of every bottle we bring to auction.
Drop off at our Chicago HQ by appointment only.
Organize shipment of your bottles.
For larger or high-value collections, Unicorn may come to you.
In good hands.
We authenticate every bottle in-house and before moving them to storage in our insured and secured vault.
Selling FAQs
You can sign up to consign any item in our platform, on the web or in our apps (we have two, available for both iOS and Android). Alternatively, send us a message and we'd be glad to walk you through it.
Consignment means, in short - that you give the product you want to sell to the merchant, before it is sold. Once the product is sold, the profits are delivered to the selling party. In the case of Unicorn Auctions, the legal requirement for consignment means we have to physically take possession of everything we sell at auction.
Yes, the state auction laws require the managing auctioneer to physically take possession of all and every asset offered for sale via the auction.
We charge 5% commission on the total sale price and $5 per bottles to consignors.
You set the reserve price for your bottles. That said, we recommend the reserve price be set close to the low end estimate provided, and we start most bids at a much lower price to aid us in price discovery for similar items listed in the future.
Yes, our team of whiskey and spirits experts can provide you with an estimate for any bottles you are considering consigning.
Email us at info@unicornauctions.com.
Vaulting with Unicorn
Our dedicated storage team shares an authentic passion for holding and caring for your collection.
Store with confidence.
We utilize state-of-the-art technology for receiving, digitizing, cataloging and vaulting throughout our facilities to ensure high-end security and temperature & humidity control for optimal storage for all of your bottles. Our customers can easily track every step along the way.
Logistics that work for you.
End-to-end handling of transportation for your wines & spirits locally or internationally, ensuring your bottles arrive in pristine condition. We make it easy to get your wine anytime, anywhere.
Easy portfolio management.
Modernized operations for managing your ‘digital cellar’. Unicorn creates a seamless experience from pickup to shipping and gifting.
Vaulting FAQs
Our facilities are equipped with 24/7 surveillance cameras with live monitoring, access control systems, and alarm monitoring to ensure the utmost protection against unauthorized access and theft. Additionally, our storage areas are climate & humidity controlled and equiped with backup generators, to maintain optimal conditions for preserving the quality of your wine. Protecting our customers wine is at the core of our business.
Absolutely. Unicorn offers convenient pick-up services to collect your wine or spirits directly from your desired location - including your home, prefered retail store, auction house, etc. Whether you're relocating, consolidating your collection, or simply need assistance in transporting your bottles to our storage facility, our experienced team is available to ensure a seamless and hassle-free process.
Yes, we provide flexible storage solutions to accommodate both short-term and long-term needs. Whether you require temporary storage during a renovation, event, or relocation, or if you simply need a brief holding solution, Unicorn offers customizable plans tailored to your specific requirements. Contact us at info@unicornauctions.com to get started.
Our aim is to facilitate prompt access to your spirits & wine collection. You can expect a quick same-day turnaround time for retrieval requests, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite bottles without delay.
We can assist with import and export services for collectors seeking to expand their collections from around the world. Whether you're importing rare finds or exporting excess inventory, our knowledgeable team can facilitate the seamless transportation of your bottles while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements.
Absolutely. We understand that managing a collection can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor. That's why we offer expert assistance to help you organize, catalog, and optimize your collection. From inventory management and cellar organization to personalized recommendations and investment advice, our team of experienced wine & spirits professionals are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support to enhance your wine storage experience.
The Unicorn team is a class act for sellers. They handled my grandfather’s collection with incredible care, and the entire collection sold for well above estimates.
