Auction Fees Explained: From Winning Bid to All-In Price

The number you win a car for at auction is the start of the price, not the end. A stack of fees sits on top, and they can add a large amount to a low bid. Working out the all-in price before you bid is the difference between a bargain and a surprise.

The common fees

• Buyer premium. A percentage of the bid, often on a tiered scale that rises with the bid amount.
• Auction or gate fee. A fixed or tiered charge for the sale itself.
• Internet or bidding fee. A charge for bidding online or by proxy.
• Documentation fee. A charge for preparing the title and paperwork.
• Storage fee. A daily charge once free days pass, so slow pickup gets expensive.

Fees beyond the auction

• Broker fee, if you bid through one.
• Transport from the lot.
• Taxes that apply in your jurisdiction.

Working out the real number

Take your maximum bid, then add each fee that applies from the auction's published schedule. On a cheap car the fees can be a large share of the total, so a low bid does not always mean a low price. Do this math for your ceiling bid before the sale, not after.

The takeaway

Read the specific platform's fee schedule, because the percentages and tiers differ. Bid against the all-in number you can afford, not the headline bid, and leave room for transport and tax.