How much does delivery add to an auction purchase?
Delivery is the cost people forget most often. Because it's usually a fixed amount rather than a percentage, it matters most on lower-priced lots.
Why a fixed cost hits cheap lots hardest
Take a 20% premium plus VAT and £40 to have the item delivered:
| Hammer price | Total with delivery | More than hammer |
| £100 | £164.00 | 64% |
| £1,000 | £1,280.00 | 28% |
The delivery charge is the same, but on the £100 lot it more than doubles the effect of the fees.
Things to check before you bid
- Does the auction house deliver at all? Many don't arrange shipping themselves and instead point you to third-party packers and couriers.
- Get a quote first, especially for large, heavy or fragile items such as furniture, clocks and glass, which usually cost more to pack and move.
- Is collecting in person an option? It saves the shipping cost but usually comes with a collection deadline. See what happens after you win.
- Packing and insurance can be charged separately from the courier fee.
- Bidding from abroad? International shipping and import charges can be significant.
Put delivery into your maximum bid
Delivery is a fixed amount, so it comes off your budget before you divide by the fee percentages. See how to work out your maximum bid.
How BidCalc helps
The Delivery cost box is added to your total as its own line, and in budget mode it's taken off your budget before BidCalc works out your maximum bid. That way you never bid up to a limit that delivery then pushes over.
See the £100 lot with £40 deliveryGeneral information only, not tax or financial advice. Auction houses set their own fees and terms, so always check the conditions of sale and confirm the details with the auction house before you bid.