Auction commissions explained — the hidden costs of buying machinery at auction
Winning an auction at EUR 20,000 does not mean the machine costs EUR 20,000. On top of the hammer price come the buyer's premium (Aufgeld), VAT on the premium, transport, dismantling, insurance, and frequently storage fees for late collection. In practice, the total cost runs 30-45% above the bid price. This article shows how to calculate real costs — with concrete examples and the rates of major platforms.
The buyer's premium (Aufgeld) — what it is and how much it costs
The Aufgeld is the fee the auction house charges the buyer. It is the primary revenue source for auction platforms. The rate is a percentage of the hammer price (Zuschlagspreis) and varies between platforms:
| Platform | Aufgeld rate | VAT on Aufgeld | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surplex | 15-18% | 19% (DE) | Standard for most auctions |
| Troostwijk | 20-22% | 19-21% | Depends on auction country |
| NetBid | 12-15% | 19% | Lower, but smaller inventory |
| Maschinensucher | 0-18% | 19% | Not all auctions carry Aufgeld |
| IVG | 15-20% | 19% | Heavy industry |
| Justiz-Auktionen | 0% | — | No Aufgeld, but court fees |
Critical detail: VAT on the Aufgeld is charged ON TOP. At 18% Aufgeld and 19% VAT, for every EUR 100 of hammer price you pay: EUR 18 Aufgeld + EUR 3.42 VAT on Aufgeld = EUR 21.42 in additional costs.
Full calculation — CNC milling machine example at Surplex
Suppose you buy a CNC milling machine at a Surplex auction. Hammer price: EUR 25,000.
| Item | Amount | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Hammer price | EUR 25,000 | Your winning bid |
| Aufgeld 18% | EUR 4,500 | Surplex commission |
| VAT on Aufgeld (19%) | EUR 855 | Charged on commission |
| Transport (NRW to Upper Silesia) | EUR 1,800 | Low-loader, 8 tonnes |
| Dismantling | EUR 600 | Detaching from foundation |
| Transport insurance | EUR 250 | Approx. 1% of value |
| TOTAL | EUR 33,005 | +32% above hammer price |
Buy the same machine at Troostwijk with 22% Aufgeld, and the premium alone is EUR 5,500 + EUR 1,045 VAT = EUR 6,545. Total cost: EUR 34,195 — a EUR 1,190 difference from the higher commission alone.
VAT on cross-border purchases
For EU buyers (e.g., a Polish company with a valid EU VAT number), the hammer price is net — no German VAT applies. You account for VAT in your home country under the intra-Community acquisition (ICA) mechanism. This means: you declare 23% VAT (Poland) but simultaneously deduct it — zero net effect if you have full input VAT deduction rights.
The Aufgeld is a service — also settled under reverse charge. You receive a net invoice from the auction house and account for VAT on the service in your home country.
In practice: companies with full input VAT deduction bear no real tax cost. However, correct reporting in the VAT return and EC Sales List is mandatory. Errors trigger interest and penalties.
Transport costs — what the auction does not show
Transport is the second-largest hidden cost after the Aufgeld. Prices depend on:
- Machine weight: up to 3.5 t — standard trailer (EUR 800-1,200). 3.5-12 t — low-loader (EUR 1,200-2,500). Above 12 t — heavy transport with escort vehicle (EUR 3,000-6,000).
- Dimensions: machines up to 2.5 m height fit on a standard low-loader. Above 3 m — oversized transport with permits required.
- Distance: NRW to Upper Silesia is approximately 900 km. Bavaria to Subcarpathia is approximately 1,100 km. Each additional 200 km adds EUR 200-400.
- Dismantling: simple machine (milling machine on bolts) — EUR 200-500. Anchored in the floor — EUR 800-2,000. Production line — EUR 3,000-10,000.
Surplex and Troostwijk offer in-house transport services, but prices typically run 20-30% above independent freight forwarders. Always compare quotes.
Storage fees for late collection
Every auction house sets a collection deadline — typically 10-15 business days after payment. Exceeding it triggers storage charges:
- Small machine (up to 2 m2): EUR 30-50/day
- Medium machine (2-6 m2): EUR 50-100/day
- Large machine (above 6 m2): EUR 100-200/day
One week late on a large machine: EUR 700-1,400 in additional costs. Arrange transport BEFORE the auction — at minimum, obtain a quote and confirm availability.
How Hutnia eliminates surprises
Full cost calculation BEFORE bidding is standard practice at Hutnia. Before you place a bid, you receive a breakdown: hammer price + Aufgeld + VAT + transport + dismantling + insurance = all-in amount. If the all-in amount exceeds the budget, we do not bid. No surprises after the auction.
Want to know what a machine you are watching at auction really costs?
Book an initial consultation Step 0 for EUR 49 — fully deductible from the EUR 500 mandate.
Also read: Surplex Live Auction — buyer strategy and Insolvency auctions — where to find them.
