What is a typical seller's commission at an auction?

Seller commissions vary widely depending on the type of property, the size of the sale, and the region. For general personal property and estate contents, commissions are often in the range of 20% to 35%, while large single items, vehicles, equipment, or real estate are usually handled at a lower percentage or a negotiated flat fee.

Many auction companies also charge a buyer's premium, which is paid by the buyer, and some reduce the seller's commission because of it. That is why comparing commission alone can be misleading.

The fairest way to compare is to ask each company for a written estimate of all fees and costs and what you would likely net. A lower rate is not a better deal if the sale draws fewer bidders and lower prices.