This article is for both buyers and sellers. It explains the difference between buyer fees and seller commission, how they're calculated, and where to find the exact amount before you commit.
Summary
- Buyer fees are added to your bid amount: they are your responsibility as a buyer.
- The seller commission compensates Agorastore for the sale: it is the seller's responsibility.
- Rates depend on the sale and the item: they are always shown on the listing before you bid.
- The exact breakdown appears on your invoice, line by line, with the applicable VAT.
1. Who pays for what?
Type of fee | Paid by | What it covers |
Buyer fees | The buyer | The service provided to the buyer: connecting parties, securing payment, support through to collection. |
Seller commission | The seller | The listing service: publication, promotion, and managing the sale and after-sales process. |
One-off service fees | Depending on the case | Specific services, billed separately when they apply. |
These two elements are independent: the seller doesn't pay the buyer fees, and the buyer doesn't pay the seller's commission.
2. As a buyer: the real cost of your purchase
The amount you pay isn't limited to your bid. It's made up of:
- the amount of your bid (the hammer price);
- buyer fees, expressed as a percentage of that amount;
- VAT, when it applies.
Factor these elements into your budget before bidding, along with transport costs: they can represent a significant share of the final price.
Where to find the applicable rate
- On the listing, in the sale information, before you bid.
- In the general terms and conditions of sale attached to the sale.
- On your invoice, where fees appear on a separate line.
Depending on the sale, fees may appear on the same invoice as the item or be issued as a second document. In that case, a single payment, with the reference shown, covers both invoices.
3. As a seller: the commission
- The commission is calculated on the hammer price of each item sold.
- It's defined by the terms agreed with Agorastore and can vary depending on the type of item, the volume sold, or the nature of the sale.
- It's the subject of a separate commission invoice, available in your personal space.
- In most cases, it's deducted from the amount paid out to you: you don't pay anything separately.
If you're not sure which terms apply to your sales, your Agorastore advisor can confirm them for you.
4. What about VAT?
Situation | Treatment |
General case | VAT applies at the standard rate and appears on your invoice. |
Professional buyer in another EU country | The sale may be invoiced without VAT, upon presentation of a valid VAT number. |
Buyer outside the European Union | The sale may be exempt, upon proof of export. |
Seller not subject to VAT | No VAT is charged on the sale. |
The VAT regime depends on your situation and the seller's. It's determined when the invoice is issued: make sure your company information is up to date in your account.
5. Exceptional fees
In certain situations, additional fees may apply, in accordance with the general terms and conditions of sale:
- non-payment after winning a bid;
- failure to collect the item within the specified deadline;
- cancellation of a sale due to the seller.
Our tips
- Calculate your maximum budget, fees included, before placing your first bid.
- Read the sale information on the listing: it takes precedence over any general estimate.
- Enter your VAT number correctly if you're buying from another EU country.
- Keep your invoices: they break down fees line by line.
Frequently asked questions
Are buyer fees the same for every sale?
No. They depend on the sale and the item involved. The applicable rate is shown on the listing.
Does the amount shown on the listing include fees?
The bid amount is understood to exclude fees. Your invoice details all amounts due.
Can I negotiate the fees?
No, buyer fees are not negotiable. Regular sellers, on the other hand, can discuss their terms with their advisor.
Is transport included?
No. Collecting the item is your responsibility to arrange.
I'm a seller: when is the commission taken?
It's issued after collection is confirmed, then deducted from the amount paid out to you.
Where can I see the exact fee breakdown for my purchase?
On your invoice, in Purchase invoices: each line shows the base amount, the rate, and the VAT applied.