Government Auction True-Cost Calculator

The winning bid is rarely what you pay. Most government surplus auctions add a buyer's premium (often 10–18%), and you may owe sales tax and pay to pick the item up. Enter the numbers below to see your real total before you bid.

Winning bid ($)Buyer's premium (%)Sales tax (%) — optionalVaries by state & buyer; enter your rate.Round-trip pickup distance (mi) — optionalEstimated at $0.67/mi.

What you'll actually pay

Winning bid: $0
Buyer's premium (10%): $0
True cost: $0

Sales tax and pickup are your estimates — confirm tax with the selling agency. Buyer's premium is set per auction.

Browse live government auctions or see all buyer tools.