What costs are incurred when I successfully bid on a lot?

When you place a bid in an auction, the final price is called the "hammer price". Additional costs are usually added to this hammer price by almost all auction houses.

As a bidder, you need to factor in the following costs at most auction houses: 

Buyer's premium – The buyer's premium covers the auctioneer's costs and is calculated as a percentage of the hammer price.

VAT – this is normally only charged on the buyer's premium. However, please check under "Important Information" to be sure.

Online fees – these amount to a maximum of 5% of the hammer price and are only charged if the lot was purchased online via LOT-TISSIMO. Here, 19% VAT may also be added.

Additional costs may apply and vary depending on the auction or auction house. Therefore, please check the terms and conditions of the respective auction and/or look for additional costs before registering. To do this, click on the question mark symbol next to "additional fees" on the lot page.

Please also note that if items require shipping, you will be responsible for the costs. Discuss shipping costs with the auction house before bidding.