How to compare asset disposal quotes fairly
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Put both asset disposal quotes on the same worksheet before deciding which looks better. First check that they cover the same assets and work. Then separate estimated sale proceeds from quoted charges and costs still to be confirmed.
A proposal with the largest expected sale figure may also rely on more optimistic assumptions. A lower fee may leave cataloguing, contractor coordination or unsold items with you. Neither point makes the proposal poor; it changes what you are comparing.
Normalise the scope first
Create one master asset list and ask each provider to identify anything excluded. Check the proposed sale route, location and timetable. Ask whether the estimate assumes working equipment, available records or particular removal arrangements that have not been verified.
Use the provider interview scorecard for questions about capability and approach. This worksheet is for comparing the resulting proposals, not rating how persuasive the conversations felt.
| Line to compare | Proposal A | Proposal B | Clarification needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset scope | Same list and version? | Same list and version? | Excluded or grouped items |
| Estimated proceeds | Basis and range | Basis and range | Gross or net; assumptions |
| Seller charges | Rate, fixed amounts and trigger | Rate, fixed amounts and trigger | What happens if assets do not sell? |
| Preparation work | Included and excluded | Included and excluded | Staff hours and specialist quotations |
| Site and removal work | Responsible party | Responsible party | Unknown access or service constraints |
| Payment | Conditions and timing | Conditions and timing | Dependencies before settlement |
| Remaining goods | Agreed options | Agreed options | Costs and final deadline |
Leave unknowns visible. A blank cost is not the same as zero.
A fictional comparison
These figures are invented for the example and exclude VAT, tax and finance settlement. Both proposals cover the same hypothetical consignment.
| Item | Proposal A | Proposal B |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated sale proceeds | £20,000 | £19,000 |
| Quoted seller charges | £2,000 | £1,200 |
| Separate preparation cost | £600 | £1,200 |
| Separate removal-related seller cost | £800 | £800 |
| Illustrative amount remaining | £16,600 | £15,800 |
On these assumptions, A leaves £800 more. But £1,000 of its apparent advantage starts with the higher sale estimate. If both achieve £19,000 and A's quoted charges remain £2,000 under the assumed agreement, A leaves £15,600. B then leaves £200 more.
The example shows why the estimate and fee structure need separate scrutiny. Actual charges may vary with sale proceeds, so replace the figures and recalculate according to each written proposal. Do not carry the example's fixed-charge assumption into a percentage-fee quote.
Ask for clarification in writing
The valuation cost-assumptions guide helps identify whether selling costs have already been deducted. Avoid subtracting them twice. Ask who can approve extra spending and how changed site conditions would affect the scope.
RICS's valuation guidance makes the purpose and assumptions behind an opinion relevant to its use. For your comparison, the practical question is simple: are both estimates answering the same sale question?
Turn the preferred proposal into an overall seller cash budget, then check the selling agreement against what was discussed. A spreadsheet is not a replacement for the terms.
If you request a proposal from UK Auction Group, include your asset list, deadline and required services. Ask for the unknowns to be identified as well as the price. That makes the next decision easier to defend.
Explore the selling assets guides.
Sources
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.