What is the difference between hammer, buyer and seller prices?

We differ between hammer, buyer and seller prices in the price observations sourced from auctions. Thereby the following definition is used:

  • Hammer price: The price that is publicly displayed as the “auction result”.

  • Buyer price: The hammer price plus buyer fees but excluding other costs.

  • Seller price: The hammer price minus seller fees, excluding other costs.


“Buyer and seller fees” differ from auction house to auction house. See our auction house comparison for further details. 


“Other costs” include shipping, insurance or other variables we can not monitor as these costs depend on the respective buyer or seller or negotiated fees directly with the auction houses. Therefore, we do not include them.


To make our price observations from different auction houses comparable, we use buyer prices on Whiskystats to determine the market value. These prices represent best what the buyer was willing to pay to become the new whisky owner.

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