the-saleroom fees: what you really pay
On the-saleroom you pay the auction house’s own buyer’s premium (often around 25% plus VAT in the UK) and, for live online bids, an internet surcharge set by the house, typically 3% to 5% of the hammer price plus VAT.
Fees
You pay in total
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Fees checked November 2026 (Auction houses’ terms on the-saleroom). They change, and each sale’s terms apply.
Examples, bidding online
| Hammer price | Premium and fees | Total before shipping | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| £100 | £35.94 | £135.94 | +36% |
| £500 | £179.70 | £679.70 | +36% |
| £1,000 | £359.40 | £1,359.40 | +36% |
| £5,000 | £1,797.00 | £6,797.00 | +36% |
Good to know
- Each auction house sets its own premium and surcharge: check the “Auctioneers Terms and Conditions” of the catalogue.
- In the UK, qualifying printed books are zero-rated for VAT, and many houses do not add VAT to the premium on them. Set the VAT on premium to 0% if the sale says so.
- Some houses charge no surcharge if you bid on their own website instead.