How to compare auction house fees fairly
Two auctions can offer the same item at the same estimate and still cost very different amounts once fees are added. Compare the total, not the premium.
1. Compare the same hammer price
Pick the price you realistically expect to pay and work out the total at each auction. Premiums that look similar can add up differently once VAT, online fees and delivery are included.
2. Don't compare "plus VAT" with "inclusive"
A premium of 25% plus VAT is the same as 30% inclusive of VAT, because 25% plus 20% VAT on it is 30% of the hammer price. Set against a house that quotes 28% inclusive of VAT, the "lower-looking" 25% is actually the more expensive.
| On a £1,000 hammer price | Premium | Total |
| 25% plus VAT | £300.00 | £1,300.00 |
| 30% inclusive of VAT | £300.00 | £1,300.00 |
| 28% inclusive of VAT | £280.00 | £1,280.00 |
3. Include delivery
A cheaper premium can be cancelled out by delivery. Suppose you'd win a lot for £800 at either of two houses:
| £800 hammer price | House A | House B |
| Premium | 18% | 22% |
| Premium plus VAT | £172.80 | £211.20 |
| Delivery | £60.00 | Collect in person |
| Total | £1,032.80 | £1,011.20 |
House B has the higher premium but comes out £21.60 cheaper once delivery is counted.
4. Check the online fee
If you'll bid online, add any platform fee to each house. See what an online bidding fee is.
How BidCalc helps
The comparison tool takes one bid amount and two sets of fees, shows both breakdowns side by side, and tells you which is cheaper and by how much. You can name each side, switch VAT on the hammer price for either, and download the result as a PDF.
Open the comparison tool Find auction housesGeneral 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.