SOUTHWEST SPIRITS
Selling Alcohol Online in the UK – Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers common questions about selling alcohol online in the UK. It covers legal requirements, eBay rules, licensing, VAT, commission, and how Southwest Spirits enables individuals and distilleries to sell whisky, wine, champagne, cognac, rum, and other spirits legally through a licensed consignment service.
Legal & Licensing
Can I sell alcohol online in the UK?
Yes, but only through a licensed alcohol retailer. UK law restricts the sale of alcohol to businesses that hold the appropriate licences. Most private individuals cannot sell alcohol online themselves without using a licensed intermediary.
Can private individuals sell alcohol online?
Private individuals cannot sell alcohol directly online unless they hold the required alcohol licence. However, individuals can sell alcohol legally by using a licensed retailer such as Southwest Spirits, which acts as the licensed seller of record.
Do I need an alcohol licence to sell my bottle?
No. When you sell through Southwest Spirits, we act as the licensed seller. You do not need to hold an alcohol licence yourself.
Is it legal to sell inherited alcohol in the UK?
Yes. Inherited alcohol can be sold legally, provided the sale is handled by a licensed alcohol retailer. Many people use our service to sell inherited whisky, wine, champagne, or other spirits.
Selling alcohol on eBay
Can I sell alcohol on eBay in the UK?
Private individuals cannot sell alcohol directly on eBay. eBay restricts alcohol listings to approved sellers that hold the correct licences and permissions. Southwest Spirits is authorised by eBay to sell alcohol and provides a compliant route to market.
Why can’t private sellers list alcohol on eBay?
eBay requires alcohol sellers to be licensed, approved, and able to handle age verification and compliant delivery. These requirements prevent most private sellers from listing alcohol themselves.
Is selling through Southwest Spirits classed as dropshipping?
No. Dropshipping involves selling items that are dispatched directly by a third party. Southwest Spirits physically holds all bottles at our licensed UK premises and dispatches them ourselves. This is a consignment retail model, not dropshipping.
Who is the seller of record on eBay?
Southwest Spirits is the seller of record. We list, sell, and dispatch the alcohol under our licensed business account in compliance with eBay policy and UK law.
Fees, VAT & Payments
What commission does Southwest Spirits charge?
Our commission structure is:
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15% on the first £100 of the sale price
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5% on any amount above £100
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Minimum fee of £10 per bottle
All commission rates are inclusive of VAT.
Our commission structure is designed to be competitive with specialist whisky auction sites, while providing a simpler, fully licensed route to selling alcohol online.
Is VAT included in the commission?
Yes. VAT is included within our stated commission rates. No additional VAT is added on top.
Are there any upfront fees?
No. There are no listing or upfront fees. Commission is only charged once a bottle is successfully sold.
When do I get paid after my bottle sells?
Once the bottle has been delivered and the transaction is complete, we provide a full sales breakdown and pay you the remaining balance after commission, once the standard eBay returns policy of thirty days has elapsed.
Bottle Eligibility & Process
What types of alcohol can I sell?
We can sell most duty-paid alcoholic beverages, including:
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Whisky (single malt and blended)
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Wine and vintage wine
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Champagne and sparkling wine
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Cognac, brandy, and armagnac
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Rum, vodka, gin, and liqueurs
All bottles are subject to approval based on condition, authenticity, and market suitability.
Do you only sell whisky?
No. While whisky is a major category, we also sell wine, champagne, cognac, rum, and other spirits through the same licensed process.
Does my bottle need to be sealed?
In most cases, bottles should be sealed and unopened. Bottles with damaged seals or low fill levels may not be suitable for sale. We assess each bottle individually before listing, and you can send us photos prior to sending us the bottle if you'd like a valuation.
What happens if my bottle doesn’t sell?
If a bottle does not sell, you retain ownership. Options such as re-listing (free), price adjustment, or return are discussed with you in advance.
After the Sale
How is my bottle stored and dispatched?
All bottles are stored at our licensed UK premises and dispatched securely by us once sold.
Is age verification used on delivery?
Yes. Alcohol deliveries are sent using age-verified services in accordance with UK law.
What information will I receive after sale?
ou will receive a clear sales statement showing:
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Sale price
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Commission (VAT included)
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Net amount paid to you
Still have questions?
If you have a specific query or would like a free valuation, you can contact us directly. You can also fill in our forms on our Home page or our Selling Whisky Online In The UK page.
Email: contact@southwestspirits.co.uk
Website: https://www.southwestspirits.co.uk
Registered address:
8 Woodway Terrace, Kingston Way, Mabe Burnthouse, TR10 9FA, United Kingdom