Auction Buyer's Premium: Drouot vs. MDP Auction

The price announced when the hammer falls is never the final price you pay. This “hammer price” is increased by a buyer's premium. Here’s a breakdown of how these fees work at Drouot, the historic Paris auction venue, and what you'll pay at MDP Auction.

What a Buyer Pays at Drouot

Drouot hosts numerous independent auction houses, each setting its own fees. These will appear on the purchase invoice sent to you by the specific auction house after the sale.

Auction House Fees (Buyer's Premium): These are often in the range of 25% to 30% (including VAT) of the hammer price, depending on the house and the specific auction.
Online Bidding Platform Fees: To bid remotely, most sales add “live fees”: around 1.8% (incl. VAT) on Drouot Live, and up to 3.6% (incl. VAT) on other platforms.
Shipping and Storage: These services are billed separately by the auction house.

These rates are provided for guidance only. Always check the terms and conditions of sale before placing a bid.

How to Read an Auction Invoice

Hammer Price: Your winning bid.
Buyer's Premium, with the applicable VAT.
Live or Internet Fees, if you bid remotely.
Shipping and Packing, billed separately.

Always verify each line item before making a payment.

Why Fees Vary Between Auctions

Each auction house sets its own fee schedule, which also depends on the nature of the sale. For example, court-ordered sales often have lower premiums (around 14% incl. VAT in France) than voluntary sales. This is why it is essential to read the conditions for each auction.

A Multi-Lot Example

Imagine three lots hammered at €300, €600, and €900, for a total hammer price of €1,800. Using indicative rates of a 26% (incl. VAT) buyer's premium plus a 1.8% (incl. VAT) live bidding fee:

Buyer's Premium: €468
Live Bidding Fee: €32.40
Total Amount Due: €2,300.40

At MDP Auction, for an account created before December 31, 2026, your total remains €1,800. After that date, our 10% premium would make the total €1,980. All MDP Auction invoices are issued in euros (EUR); US dollar figures are for indicative purposes only.

What This Comparison Doesn't Cover

Fee structures vary from one auction house to another. Some may charge less than the rates indicated here, while others may charge more. Always verify the terms of the specific sale you are interested in before making comparisons.

What a Buyer Pays at MDP Auction

	Traditional Auction House	MDP Auction (registered by 12/31/2026)	MDP Auction (registered after)
Buyer's Premium	Often 25% to 30% (incl. VAT) + live fees	0%, for life	10%, for life
Shipping	Varies by house	Free worldwide shipping, for life (excludes customs/import duties)	Subject to terms

A Calculated Example

Consider a lot with a hammer price of €1,000. Using indicative rates:

Traditional Auction House at 26% (incl. VAT) plus 1.8% (incl. VAT) live fee: €1,000 + €260 + €18 = €1,278
MDP Auction (registered by December 31, 2026): €1,000
MDP Auction (registered after): €1,000 + €100 = €1,100

On a €1,000 purchase, the difference can exceed €270.

How to Take Advantage of This Offer

Create your free account before December 31, 2026.
Browse our current auctions.
Place your bids, and settle your invoice within 7 days after the auction closes.

If you're interested in selling rather than buying, read about An Alternative to Drouot: A Different Way to Sell at Auction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the buyer's premium included in the hammer price? No. The premium and any other fees are added to the hammer price to determine the final invoice total.

Do I pay Drouot directly? According to Drouot, payment is made directly to the individual auction house that organized the sale.

How can I be certain of the final price? Before you bid, add all the fees listed in the auction's terms and conditions to your maximum bid amount. This will give you your total potential cost.

Understanding Buyer's Premium: Drouot vs. MDP Auction