Invoice templates for auctioneers covering charity fundraiser auctions, estate sales, corporate events, and specialist auction services.
An auctioneer invoice records fees for conducting or facilitating an auction — whether a live charity fundraiser, an estate clearance sale, a corporate event auction, or a specialist art and antiques sale. UK auctioneers working at charity events typically charge a flat attendance fee or day rate, while commercial auctioneers conducting estate sales often work on a commission basis (a percentage of hammer price or buyer's premium). If you are conducting a charity auction at a gala dinner or fundraising event, the event organiser will need a clear invoice for your appearance fee. Commercial auctioneers should provide an itemised settlement account after the sale, showing total hammer prices achieved, commission percentages, buyer's premiums, and any catalogue production or marketing costs. VAT applies to professional services fees and commissions. Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA) should maintain professional standards in all billing documentation.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Charity auction appearance fee | 500 | event |
| Corporate/private event auctioneer (half day) | 750 | half-day |
| Estate sale commission (% of hammer price) | 12 | percent |
| Auction catalogue production | 350 | flat |
| Pre-sale valuation and lot preparation | 65 | hour |
| Online auction platform fee | 200 | event |
| Travel (mileage at 45p/mile) | 0.45 | per mile |
For charity fundraiser appearances, the invoice is straightforward: state the event, the date, and your flat fee. Many charity organisers pay by BACS, so include your bank details prominently. If you are donating your time for a charitable cause, you can issue a zero-value invoice noting the charitable donation — this creates a paper record and can support your own tax records. For commercial estate or art sales, provide a full settlement account after the sale. This should list every lot sold, the hammer price, your commission, and any additional charges. Issue the net payment to the seller at the same time as the settlement account. Buyer's premiums are collected directly from buyers and should be shown separately in your accounts. If you work via an auction house rather than independently, confirm whether you are employed or self-employed for tax purposes. Self-employed auctioneers should register as sole traders or operate through a limited company and issue invoices for each engagement.