In auctions, a supplementary charge exists beyond the hammer price. This additional fee, commonly a percentage of the winning bid, is added to the final amount the purchaser owes. For example, if an item sells for $1,000 and a 10% surcharge applies, the total due from the purchaser is $1,100.
This practice serves multiple purposes, including covering the auction house’s operational expenses and generating profit. Its implementation is often a key aspect of the auctioneer’s business model, contributing significantly to overall revenue. Historically, this mechanism has allowed auction houses to attract consignments by offering lower commission rates to sellers, shifting a portion of the revenue burden to purchasers.