See what you'll actually pay before you bid. IAAI, Copart, Manheim, ADESA, GSA, public, police, and repo auctions.
Realistic fee ranges for each auction type. Click to expand. Adjust the calculator above to match your local market.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer fee | 10% of bid (tiered) | Decreases % at higher price tiers |
| Internet bid fee | $50 – $100 | Per transaction, varies by state |
| Gate fee | $50 – $75 | Release / loading fee |
| Environmental fee | $10 – $25 | Fluid recovery, hazmat |
| Title processing | $50 – $100 | May include mail / expedite |
IAAI fees vary by location and membership level. Commercial dealers often get reduced buyer fees. Always check the fee schedule on the specific auction page before bidding.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer fee | 10% of bid (tiered) | Minimum $300 on many lots |
| Internet bid fee | $79 – $129 | Higher for non-members |
| Gate fee | $59 – $79 | Release fee per vehicle |
| Environmental fee | $15 – $25 | Standard on most lots |
| Title processing | $75 – $125 | May require additional notary |
Copart's buyer fee is tiered: lower percentages apply as bid amounts increase. Broker fees may apply if you're not a licensed dealer. Some locations charge additional storage after 5 days.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer fee | $300 – $500 flat | Or percentage on specialty sales |
| Internet bid fee | $0 – $50 | Often waived for registered dealers |
| Gate fee | $0 – $25 | Usually minimal or included |
| Environmental fee | $0 – $10 | Rare on wholesale lanes |
| Title processing | $50 – $75 | Fast-track available for premium |
Manheim is a dealer-only wholesale auction. Fees are generally lower than salvage auctions but require dealer licensing. Simulcast (online) fees may apply for remote bidding.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer fee | $300 – $500 flat | Varies by sale type and location |
| Internet bid fee | $0 – $35 | Often free for dealer members |
| Gate fee | $0 – $20 | Minimal at most locations |
| Environmental fee | $0 – $10 | Occasional on select sales |
| Title processing | $50 – $75 | Standard dealer processing |
ADESA (now part of KAR Global) operates similarly to Manheim. Dealer credentials required. Online buying through ADESA Marketplace may have separate fee structures.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer fee | 5% – 10% of bid | Government surplus pricing |
| Internet bid fee | $0 – $25 | Online GSA sales |
| Gate fee | $0 | Usually no release fee |
| Environmental fee | $0 | Rarely charged |
| Title processing | $50 – $75 | Government title transfer |
GSA sells federal fleet vehicles. These are often well-maintained with complete service records. Sales are open to the public and dealers. No warranty provided.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer fee | 5% – 15% of bid | Higher at small local auctions |
| Internet bid fee | $0 – $25 | If online bidding available |
| Gate fee | $0 – $25 | Varies widely |
| Environmental fee | $0 – $15 | Occasional |
| Title processing | $50 – $100 | May need bonded title |
Public, police, and repo auctions vary dramatically by municipality and auctioneer. Police impound auctions may require cash payment same-day. Repo auctions often sell "as-is, where-is" with no guarantees.
See how fees stack up across different auction types and vehicle price points.
Common questions about auction fees and how to budget for them.
Both IAAI and Copart use tiered buyer fee structures, but the tiers, minimums, and add-on fees differ. Copart often has higher internet and gate fees, while IAAI may have different environmental charges depending on state regulations. Always review the specific fee schedule for the location where you're bidding.
Generally yes. Wholesale dealer auctions like Manheim and ADESA charge flat buyer fees ($300–$500) rather than percentages, making them more predictable on higher-priced vehicles. However, you need a dealer license to participate, and the inventory is clean-title wholesale rather than salvage.
Storage fees. Both IAAI and Copart start charging daily storage if you don't pick up the vehicle within 3–5 business days. At $20–$50 per day, this can erase your margin fast. Factor transport timing into your bid calculation.
It depends on the state. Most states tax the total purchase price including buyer fees but excluding transport. Some states tax only the bid amount. This calculator uses the bid amount as the tax base for simplicity—adjust the tax rate to match your local rules.
Not the standard fees, but volume matters. High-volume dealers often get preferred buyer fee tiers, waived internet fees, or faster title processing. If you're buying 10+ cars per month, contact your auction representative to discuss a commercial account.
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