Help & Frequently Asked Questions
Searching for Whisky
Searching for whisky on WannaWhisky
How do I search for whisky on WannaWhisky?
Browse & Filter: Explore our complete catalogue and refine your search using filters like distillery, region, stated age, type, or price range.
Search Bar: Looking for something specific? Use the search bar at the top to find bottles by name, distillery, or series.
Ask Scottie: Can’t find what you’re looking for? Your Bottle Buddy can recommend bottles based on your preferences. Scottie can be found in the bottom right corner of your screen.
How do I filter search results for specific listings?
Sorting: Use the dropdown menu in the top right to sort by price (high to low / low to high) or newest listings.
Filtering: The filter panel on the left allows you to narrow down results by distillery, region, stated age, type, or price range.
Buying Whisky
General
How can I buy a whisky on WannaWhisky?
Register an account, complete basic onboarding and verification, then browse listings. Click the Buy button or Suggest a Price button and follow the offer request flow. When the seller and you agree on price and shipping, you pay via WannaWhisky’s Buyer Protection (escrow). Funds are held securely until delivery is confirmed.
How do offers and price suggestions work?
Buyers may send an offer request or price suggestion. The seller can accept, decline, or counter. Each seller response must include a shipping estimate. When both agree, the buyer proceeds to secure the payment via Buyer Protection.
Each step in the negotiation has a 48-hour response window. If the seller doesn’t respond within 48 hours, the offer request expires automatically. Likewise, the buyer has 48 hours to respond to a seller’s counter-offer, and 48 hours to complete payment after an offer is accepted.
What determines the total price of a whisky?
The total price consists of:
- Agreed purchase price: the amount you and the seller agree upon
- Buyer Protection fee: 3% of the agreed purchase price, covering escrow, secure payment processing, and platform costs
- Shipping costs: calculated by the seller based on your approximate delivery address
Example: you and the seller agreed on €200 for a bottle and shipping to your location costs €25. In that case, the total price is:
€200 (bottle) + €6 (Buyer Protection: 3% of €200) + €25 (shipping) = €231
Do I need to register with WannaWhisky before making a purchase?
Yes. Registration and completion of the onboarding/verification steps are required to purchase. This helps us support you during the transaction and reduces fraud risk.
WannaWhisky is currently available to people living in Belgium and the Netherlands. We plan to onboard additional countries in the future.
Who is my contract partner when buying a whisky?
The seller is the contractual partner. WannaWhisky facilitates the transaction and provides Buyer Protection/escrow and dispute support, but the sale contract is between buyer and seller.
How can I pay for an item?
Payment methods available for a listing are shown during checkout. Payments use secure, industry-standard providers; funds are held in escrow until delivery confirmation.
Currently, WannaWhisky enables iDeal and Bancontact. Bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal are not available.
What should I do if the seller doesn’t respond to my inquiry?
All offer and negotiation steps have a 48-hour response window. If the seller doesn’t respond within that timeframe, the request expires automatically so you’re not left waiting indefinitely.
If you have concerns about a listing or a seller’s behaviour, you can use the Report link on the listing or order page to notify WannaWhisky.
Where can I report suspicions about an item’s authenticity?
You can use the Report link available on individual listing, offer, and order pages throughout the website. WannaWhisky will review your report and take appropriate action.
If you’ve already received the item and suspect it is counterfeit, follow the dispute process described on our Issue Resolution page within the 14-day inspection period. Include specific evidence or an expert assessment to support your claim.
How can I recognize counterfeits?
Recognizing counterfeit whisky can be challenging, but there are indicators to look out for, including inconsistencies in labelling, packaging, fill levels, and provenance. We’ve put together detailed guidance on our Authenticity page to help you assess bottles with confidence.
How can I contact the seller?
You can communicate with sellers through WannaWhisky’s on-platform form-based messaging. This is available via the listing page or within an active offer/order. We recommend keeping all communication on-platform, as it provides a documented record that can support dispute resolution if needed.
Please note that most communication options are limited to price entries initially. Once an order has been placed, more communication options open up to facilitate the finalization of the order.
Shipping
How long does delivery take, and how much does the shipping cost?
Sellers must provide a shipping cost estimate during the offer/negotiation stage. Delivery times depend on the carrier chosen by the seller and the shipping distance.
After payment is completed, the seller has a deadline to ship and submit a tracking code. If the seller does not ship within this timeframe, a refund and order cancellation will be initiated automatically.
International purchases may incur customs duties or import taxes payable by the buyer.
Which delivery service will deliver my order?
The choice of carrier is up to the seller. WannaWhisky does not mandate a specific delivery service, but we strongly recommend that sellers use carriers that offer insured shipping and follow the carrier’s terms and conditions. This protects both parties in case something goes wrong during transport.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Once the seller ships, the shipment should include a tracking number which will be shared with you by email and in your order area.
Am I insured against shipping damage or theft?
Orders processed through Buyer Protection are shipped fully insured under the conditions stated at checkout. If you choose to transact outside the Buyer Protection flow, you should arrange insurance with the seller.
Up to what value is the shipment insured?
The maximum insured value depends on the carrier and service level chosen by the seller. WannaWhisky does not set a fixed insurance ceiling. This is determined by the carrier’s terms. If you’re purchasing a high-value bottle, we recommend confirming the insured value with the seller before completing the transaction.
Who is liable if something goes wrong during shipping?
That depends on what happened exactly during shipping. Loss or theft falls on the carrier. WannaWhisky cannot check how people package an item and whether or not they abide by any carrier’s terms and conditions. We strongly recommend insured shipping, transparency about the nature of the item, and appropriate packaging materials. If something goes wrong during transit, then there is a stronger case to make for getting the insurance money back.
Purchasing from private sellers
What should I know about purchasing from private sellers?
WannaWhisky currently facilitates consumer-to-consumer (C2C) transactions between private individuals. This means the seller is not a professional retailer, and different rules apply compared to buying from a business:
- Return rights are more limited — valid reasons are required (e.g. item not as described, damaged, counterfeit).
- Buyer’s remorse, changed preferences, or finding a better deal elsewhere are not grounds for return.
- Sellers are expected to describe their items accurately and honestly, but are not held to the same obligations as commercial retailers.
WannaWhisky’s Buyer Protection is designed to provide strong safeguards within this C2C context. Read our Refunds, Returns & Disputes page for full details on what is and isn’t covered.
Purchasing from businesses
What are the advantages of buying from a business?
Commercial (B2C) selling on WannaWhisky will be introduced in the future. When professional sellers join the platform, buyers will benefit from broader consumer protections under EU law, including additional return rights and higher seller obligations.
We’ll share more details as this feature becomes available.
To what extent does WannaWhisky check their dealers?
Commercial selling will be introduced in the future and will require specialized onboarding, including verification of alcohol licenses, business permits, and regulatory compliance. We’ll share more details about our vetting process as this feature becomes available.
Purchasing whisky from abroad
I’m interested in a listing from abroad. What should I take into consideration and what fees apply?
When purchasing from a seller in another country, keep the following in mind:
- Shipping costs: international shipping is typically more expensive and may take longer. Confirm the cost and estimated delivery time with the seller during the negotiation stage.
- Customs duties and import taxes: depending on the countries involved, your order may be subject to customs duties, import taxes (such as VAT or excise duty), or other fees upon arrival. These costs are entirely the buyer’s responsibility.
- Packaging: international shipments require extra care. Review our packaging and shipping guidelines and discuss packaging with the seller.
WannaWhisky currently does not offer guidance or assistance in determining the applicability or amount of import-related costs.
What are customs duties and import taxes?
Customs duties are taxes imposed by a country’s government on goods imported from abroad. Import taxes (such as VAT or excise duty on alcohol) may also apply depending on local regulations. These costs vary by country, product type, and shipment value.
As a buyer, you are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or other fees that may apply to your international order.
How and where can I pay the customs duties and import taxes?
Customs duties and import taxes are typically collected by the carrier or customs authority upon delivery or before the package is released to you. You will usually be contacted by the carrier or a customs broker with payment instructions.
WannaWhisky does not collect, process, anticipate, assist, calculate, or otherwise deal with customs payments. For specific questions about applicable duties and taxes, we recommend consulting your local customs authority.
Payment
Which payment methods are available?
Payment methods available for a listing are shown during checkout. Payments use secure, industry-standard providers; funds are held in escrow until delivery confirmation.
Currently, WannaWhisky enables iDeal and Bancontact. Bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal are not available.
How can I pay for an order using an escrow service?
All payments via WannaWhisky use Buyer Protection, which functions as an escrow service. When you complete a purchase, your payment (purchase price + Buyer Protection fee + shipping) is processed via Stripe and held securely. The seller receives the payout only after the 14-day inspection period has ended without issues, or after any raised dispute has been resolved.
You don’t need to set up the escrow separately. It’s built into every transaction on the platform.
Refunds and Returns
What is the return policy?
If a covered issue is validated through our dispute process (e.g., item not delivered, item materially not as described), the escrowed purchase price and shipping costs are refunded to the buyer. The Buyer Protection fee is not refundable. Follow the dispute steps in your order area and provide requested evidence (photos, tracking, correspondence).
Since WannaWhisky facilitates C2C transactions between private individuals, returns based on buyer’s remorse, changed preferences, or subjective taste are not accepted. See our Refund & Return Policy page for the complete list of valid and invalid reasons.
What should I do if I want to return an item?
If you believe you have valid grounds for a return, follow these steps:
- Report the issue within 14 days of delivery by contacting info@wannawhisky.com with your order number, a clear description of the problem, photos of the packaging and item, and any supporting documentation.
- WannaWhisky notifies the seller and requests their statement and evidence.
- Both parties provide evidence. WannaWhisky reviews all submitted materials objectively and may request additional documentation.
- WannaWhisky issues a decision — full refund, partial refund/compensation, or no refund — with a clear explanation of the reasoning.
For full details, see our Refund & Return Policy page.
What evidence should I provide for a dispute?
Photos of the received bottle and packaging, tracking and delivery proof, correspondence with the seller, and any other relevant documentation. For non-delivery claims, tracking and courier confirmation are particularly important.
Who pays the return shipping costs?
If a return is approved, the buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. We require the use of insured shipping for returns, and the buyer must obtain proof of shipping and tracking. The buyer is responsible for ensuring the bottle arrives safely back to the seller.
For full details on return shipping requirements, see our Refund & Return Policy page.
When will I receive my refund?
If the issue resolution outcome involves sending the item back to the seller, then the buyer first has to ship the item back to seller. The same strict packaging and shipping instructions apply as with any other transaction. When the seller verifies that they received the item in the expected condition, then the refund will be processed within 3-5 business days of the decision.
If the item does not have to be returned to the seller, then refunds are processed within 3–5 business days of the decision.
Depending on your payment method, it may take additional time for the amount to appear in your account.
The purchase price and original shipping costs (if the seller was at fault) are refundable. The Buyer Protection fee is non-refundable.
Buyer Protection
General
What is WannaWhisky Buyer Protection?
Buyer Protection is WannaWhisky’s escrow-based transaction security. When you purchase a bottle, your payment is held securely by Stripe until the transaction is completed. This ensures you either receive the bottle as described, or your purchase amount is refunded if a valid issue arises.
Buyer Protection also covers dispute resolution. If something goes wrong, WannaWhisky reviews evidence from both parties and makes a decision. See our Buyer Protection page for full terms.
How long is WannaWhisky Buyer Protection valid?
Buyer Protection is active from the moment of payment until the end of the 14-day inspection period following delivery. During this time, funds are held in escrow and you can raise a dispute if there are issues with the item.
After the 14-day period, the sale is considered final and the payout to the seller is initiated. You can still contact WannaWhisky if you discover serious issues after this period, but returns and refunds via the platform are no longer available.
How much does Buyer Protection cost?
The Buyer Protection fee is 3% of the agreed purchase price of the bottle. It is calculated solely on the bottle price. Shipping costs are not included in the calculation. The fee is added automatically during checkout and is clearly displayed before you confirm payment.
What does WannaWhisky Buyer Protection cover?
Buyer Protection ensures either (1) you receive the bottle you ordered, or (2) your purchase amount (and shipping cost) is refunded if a covered issue is validated. Covered issues include receiving the wrong item, items significantly different from the listing, shipping damage, incomplete orders, suspected counterfeits, and seller misconduct.
The Buyer Protection fee itself is non-refundable and is not included in refunds. See our Buyer Protection terms for full details.
Does Buyer Protection come with any special warranty?
Buyer Protection is not a product warranty in the traditional sense. WannaWhisky facilitates C2C (private-to-private) transactions but applies protections similar to what you’d expect from a B2C purchase: as long as the item matches the listing description and arrives in the stated condition, the sale stands.
If the item is not as described, damaged, or otherwise problematic, you’re covered by the dispute resolution process during the 14-day inspection period. Subjective preferences, buyer’s remorse, or issues unrelated to listing accuracy are not covered.
Will I receive a refund if I return a purchase?
If a return is approved through the dispute process, you’ll receive a refund of the purchase price and original shipping costs (if the seller was at fault). The Buyer Protection fee is non-refundable, and return shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
Returns are only approved for valid reasons as outlined on our Refund & Return Policy page. Buyer’s remorse or changed preferences are not valid grounds for a return.
My WannaWhisky Account
General
Why should I create a WannaWhisky account?
An account is required to buy or sell whisky on the platform. Registration also gives you access to features like saving listings, communicating with other users, tracking your orders, and managing your collection.
The onboarding and verification process helps us maintain a trustworthy marketplace and supports you during transactions. WannaWhisky is currently available to people living in Belgium and the Netherlands.
How do I edit my personal information?
Visit your account profile page to view and edit your information. Some details (such as your display name and preferences) are managed directly on WannaWhisky, while private information like your phone number, billing address, and banking details is managed through Stripe’s secure dashboard. Your profile page will guide you to the right place for each type of information.
How can I change my password?
You can change your password via your account profile page. Follow the password change option in your account settings. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot password” link on the login page to reset it.
How can I delete my WannaWhisky user account?
You can request account deletion via your account profile page. Please note that any open orders or pending transactions must be completed or resolved before your account can be deleted. After deletion, your personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable retention periods.
Why should I communicate with buyers and sellers on WannaWhisky?
Keeping communication on-platform is important for several reasons:
- Dispute evidence: on-platform messages are documented and can serve as evidence if a dispute arises.
- Fraud prevention: communicating through WannaWhisky helps protect both parties from scams and fraudulent offers.
- Buyer Protection: transactions arranged outside the platform are not covered by WannaWhisky’s Buyer Protection or escrow service.
We strongly recommend conducting all negotiations, agreements, and communications through the platform.
Selling as a Private Seller
General
How much does it cost to sell on WannaWhisky?
Creating and publishing listings is free. There is no limit to the number of listings you can create. WannaWhisky charges a seller commission on successful sales, which is automatically withheld from the payout amount. The commission rate is displayed in your seller dashboard and in the Terms and Conditions.
The Buyer Protection fee (3% of the item price) is paid by the buyer, not the seller.
How long will my listing be online?
Listings remain active for three months. Before expiration, you’ll receive a notification and can extend the listing for another three months via a quick extension form. You can also manually delete a listing at any time, which removes it immediately.
When a listing results in a successful sale, its availability is updated automatically.
How many listings can private sellers publish?
There is no limit. Private sellers can create as many free listings as they’d like.
Can I sell my entire collection as a private collector?
Yes, but listings must be added one by one. Bulk listing is currently not available. Each bottle gets its own listing with individual photos, descriptions, and pricing. This ensures buyers have clear, accurate information for every item.
Listing Items
How do I create a whisky listing?
Register, verify your account, then use the Create listing form. Include clear photos, accurate details (bottler, bottling year, ABV, cask number if known), condition grade, and honest descriptions. Follow our packaging and shipping guidelines to improve buyer confidence.
What should I enter as the whisky’s condition?
WannaWhisky uses a standardized condition grading system to help buyers understand the state of a bottle. When creating a listing, select the grade that most accurately reflects your bottle’s condition. Full descriptions of each grade are available on our condition grades page.
Be honest and thorough. Accurate condition grading builds buyer trust and helps prevent disputes.
How can I figure out what my whisky is worth?
Pricing is entirely up to you as the seller. WannaWhisky can provide automated estimates or suggestions to help you set a competitive price. You can also explore our informational pages and magazine articles for insights into market values for specific bottles, distilleries, and categories.
Keep in mind that a bottle’s value depends on factors like rarity, age, distillery reputation, condition, and current market demand.
How do I edit or delete listings?
You can edit or delete your listings from your seller dashboard and the listing itself. Edits take effect immediately. Deleting a listing removes it from the platform right away.
Note that listings with active offer requests will immediately terminate those requests. Accepted offers are considered orders. Deleting a listing does not cancel an order; you are still expected to fulfill any related orders.
Sales
How exactly does the sales process work?
The process works as follows:
- Offer: a buyer sends an offer or price suggestion on your listing. You have 48 hours to accept, decline, or counter (including a shipping estimate).
- Agreement: once both parties agree on price and shipping, the buyer has 48 hours to complete payment via Buyer Protection.
- Shipping: after payment, you ship the bottle within the allotted deadline, take the required photos, and submit a tracking code on the platform. If you don’t ship within the deadline, a refund and cancellation are initiated automatically.
- Inspection: the buyer has a 14-day inspection period after delivery. If no issues are reported, the payout to you is initiated automatically.
- Payout: you receive the agreed purchase price plus shipping costs, minus the seller commission. This is transferred to your connected payout account.
I have concerns about a buyer’s trustworthiness. What should I do?
If something feels off about a buyer or their behaviour, you can use the Report link on the offer or order page to notify WannaWhisky. You’re not obligated to accept an offer if you have concerns.
We recommend keeping all communication on-platform so that any issues can be documented and reviewed by WannaWhisky if needed.
Why am I not shown the prospective buyer’s email address?
To protect the privacy of all users and to reduce the risk of off-platform fraud, WannaWhisky does not share users’ email addresses. All communication happens through the on-platform messaging system, which creates a documented record that supports dispute resolution and protects both parties.
When is the commission or platform fee due?
The seller commission is withheld automatically at the moment of payout. You only pay the fee when a sale is successfully completed — there is no upfront cost for listing or receiving offers.
What happens to the platform fee if no sale takes place?
If no sale takes place, no seller commission is charged. The fee is only applied when a transaction is completed and the payout is processed. Expired, cancelled, or declined offers incur no costs for the seller.
How do I safely send my whisky?
We’ve put together detailed packaging and shipping guidelines to help you send bottles safely. Please read our packaging and shipping guide before shipping.
Key recommendations:
- Use a carrier that offers insured shipping and follow their terms and conditions.
- Package bottles securely with appropriate protective materials.
- Take photos of the bottle before packaging, during packaging, and of the shipping label.
- Submit the tracking code on the platform after shipping.
Proper documentation and insured shipping protect you if anything goes wrong during transport.
Selling Whisky Commercially
General
How do I register as a commercial dealer?
Commercial (B2C) selling on WannaWhisky will be introduced in the future. This will require specialized onboarding, including verification of alcohol licenses, business permits, and other regulatory requirements. We’ll share registration details and eligibility criteria as this feature becomes available.
What kind of price structures are available for licensed dealers?
Pricing structures for commercial sellers will be announced when B2C selling is introduced. These may differ from the current private seller fee model. We’ll provide full details when this feature launches.
How do I create a listing?
Listing creation for commercial sellers will be part of the dedicated B2C seller experience, which is currently under development. The process will be similar to private seller listings but with additional features suited to professional sellers. Details will follow when this feature becomes available.
How do I edit or delete listings?
Listing management tools for commercial sellers will be introduced alongside the B2C selling feature. We’ll share details on editing, deleting, and managing commercial listings when this feature launches.
Other
Data Privacy
Is my information secure on WannaWhisky?
Yes. WannaWhisky takes the protection of your personal data seriously and uses appropriate technical and organizational measures, including encrypted connections (TLS/SSL), access restrictions, strong passwords and two-factor authentication where possible, regular software updates, and periodic backups.
Most sensitive information — such as your banking details and identity verification data — is not stored by WannaWhisky but processed directly by Stripe as an independent payment provider. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.
Is my information forwarded to third parties?
WannaWhisky only shares personal data with third parties when necessary for the performance of the service or to comply with legal obligations. This includes our payment provider (Stripe), hosting provider, email service provider, analytics provider, and our AI chat assistant provider (Artific).
Data is never sold to third parties. Processing agreements are in place with all parties that handle your data, and there is no transfer outside the EU/EEA unless appropriate safeguards are provided. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.