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: $110
Buyer's premium (12.5%): $14
True cost: $124

Sales tax and pickup are your estimates - confirm Sales tax with the seller. Buyer's premium is set per auction.

Browse live government auctions or see all buyer tools.