Gallery Commission Calculator

Calculate your net proceeds from gallery sales. Compare standard commission structures across primary, secondary, and consignment arrangements to find the best deal.

Primary Market Commission

Calculate your net proceeds when selling new work through a gallery at standard primary market rates.

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Secondary Market / Consignment

Calculate net proceeds when reselling art through a gallery on consignment at secondary market rates.

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Multi-Channel Comparison

Compare net proceeds across gallery, auction, online platform, and direct sale channels for the same artwork.

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Gallery Commission Structures

Primary Market: Gallery takes 50-60%, Artist receives 40-50%

Secondary Market: Consignment at 10-40% depending on services

Online Platforms: 5-15% transaction fee + processing costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard gallery commission for primary market sales?
The standard gallery commission for primary market sales (new work directly from the artist) is 50%. This means the gallery and artist split the sale price evenly. However, blue-chip galleries like Gagosian or Pace may take 60%, while more artist-friendly galleries may negotiate down to 40%. Emerging artist cooperatives may charge as little as 20-30%.
How does secondary market consignment differ from primary sales?
Secondary market consignment involves reselling artwork that was previously purchased. Commission rates are lower, typically 10-20% for private dealers and 20-40% for galleries providing full services including marketing, insurance, and authentication. The consignor retains ownership until the piece sells, and terms should be formalized in a consignment agreement.
Can I negotiate gallery commission rates?
Yes, commission rates are negotiable, especially for established artists with strong sales records. Factors that strengthen negotiation include: high sale volumes, exclusive representation agreements, artist covering production costs, or bringing your own collectors. Some galleries offer sliding scales where the commission decreases as the sale price increases.
What additional fees should I expect beyond commission?
Beyond the standard commission, watch for shipping and handling fees, insurance costs during exhibition, photography and catalog production, opening reception costs, and credit card processing fees (typically 2-3%). Some galleries deduct these from the artist's share, while others absorb them. Always review the gallery contract carefully before signing.

Understanding Gallery Commission Economics

Gallery commissions fund the infrastructure of the art market, covering gallery rent, staff salaries, exhibition costs, marketing, and collector relations. While a 50% commission may seem steep, galleries invest significantly in building an artist's career through exhibitions, art fair participation, catalog production, and relationship building with collectors and institutions. Understanding these dynamics helps artists and collectors make informed decisions about where and how to sell artwork.

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