One fee, published in advance
The escrow fee is a percentage of the deal value on a sliding scale, with a €95 minimum. No listing charge, no subscription and no share of the sale price.
Rates by deal value
| Band | Rate | Minimum | Example fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| €500 – €5,000Essential | 2.9% | €95 | €95on €3,000 |
| €5,001 – €25,000Standard | 1.9% | €95 | €285on €15,000 |
| €25,001 – €100,000High value | 1.2% | €95 | €750on €62,500 |
| €100,001 – €500,000Collector | 0.8% | €95 | €2,400on €300,000 |
| €500,001 – €2,000,000Private office | 0.55% | €95 | €6,875on €1,250,000 |
Above €2,000,000 the private office quotes individually and may use staged funding. Rates are the same for buyers and sellers.
IncludedWhat the fee covers
- Deal scoping and written terms
- KYC and sanctions screening for both parties
- Segregated custody of the principal
- Authentication coordination and report filing
- Transit and handover tracking
- Release administration and payout
- Dispute handling and written determination
- A named coordinator for the life of the deal
Third-party costs, at cost
- Authentication
- Invoiced by the watchmaker or gemologist. Typically €80–€450 depending on the item. Passed through at cost.
- Shipping and insurance
- Quoted by the carrier against the declared value. Either side may arrange it, but the method must be in the terms.
- Currency conversion
- Where the funding and payout currencies differ. Quoted before funding and shown as a separate line.
- Specialist valuation
- Where a signed piece or rare reference needs a written valuation in addition to authentication. Quoted per deal before it is commissioned.
Things that cost nothing
- Asking for a quote or a scope check
- Opening and closing a deal room
- Cancelling before the deal is funded
- Monthly or annual access
- Escrow fee · 1.9%
- €352
- Buyer transfers
- €18,852
- Seller receives
- €18,500
Indicative only. Minimum fee €95. The fixed quote is confirmed in writing before funding.
Above €2m?
Private-office deals are quoted individually, with staged funding and milestone releases where appropriate.
+359 89 645 3914About the fee
Who pays the escrow fee?
Buyer, seller or an even split — agreed before the deal opens and written into the terms. Most buyers cover it; a seller-paid fee is a common concession in a negotiation.
Are there other TrustDeal charges?
No listing fee, no subscription and no commission on the sale. The only additional costs are third-party ones: authentication, transit, insurance and FX, each quoted before use.
When is the fee collected?
With the funding transfer, and it is held alongside the principal. If a deal is cancelled before funding, nothing is due.
Can the fee change mid-deal?
Only if the scope changes — an increased value, an added authentication route or an extra verification milestone. Variations are quoted and accepted in writing first.
What happens to the fee on a refund?
The fee is earned once funds are secured and the deal room is live. On a full pre-release refund it is retained. After a partial adjustment it stays based on the original agreed value.
Is there dealer or volume pricing?
Yes. Dealers and family offices can apply for a private-office schedule from eight completed deals a year. Ask the desk.
Want it in writing?
Send the item and the value and the desk returns a fixed quote, usually within the hour.
Get a fixed quote before you commit
A quote costs nothing and carries no obligation. If escrow is the wrong tool for your deal, we will tell you.
Or call +359 89 645 3914 · Mon–Sat, 09:00–20:00 EET