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Fees, agreed before any work starts
There is no price list here pretending every assignment is the same, but there is the next best thing: the structures, stated plainly, and a promise that the number is agreed in writing before any work begins.
Four principles
Fees are agreed before work starts, in writing, every time. Davey & Daughters takes no seller commission; the fee comes from you and aligns with you. Third-party costs, such as inspections, transport, storage and import charges, are separate, itemised and approved by you in advance. If a referral fee could arise from any introduction, it is disclosed before you act on it.
Deal Review
A fixed fee, stated when you enquire and agreed before the review begins.
Acquisition (The Garage)
Acquisition work runs on a retainer, deducted from a final fee if the car is bought. The retainer and final fee are quoted against the brief before you instruct, and the retainer is always deducted from the final fee.
Defined projects
Imports, restorations, sale preparation, market notes and similar defined work are quoted as fixed or scoped project fees, with exclusions stated, so the number means something.
The Stables
An annual retainer, quoted after the first collection review, sized to the collection and the actual workload. Reviews, coordination cadence and inclusions are set out in the engagement letter.
The Motor House
A retained relationship agreed privately, monthly or annual, after an initial review. Availability, reporting and scope are defined in writing.
What keeps the numbers honest
The fee never depends on you buying, storing, restoring or insuring anything in particular. Where Alex's advice is "spend nothing," the structure lets him say it.
Questions about fees
Why a percentage on acquisition?
Because the work scales with the value and complexity of the car, and because the retainer-deduction means you never pay twice for the same judgement. Where a percentage fits badly, a project fee is quoted instead.
Are third-party costs marked up?
No. They are passed through at cost, itemised, and approved by you before they are incurred.
Is the first conversation charged?
No.
Priced to the brief, agreed in writing
Tell Alex what you are considering and he will set out exactly what applies before any work begins.