Enter the details you know. Optional advanced fields are kept separate so the main calculation stays easy to use.
How to use this calculator
- Enter conservative, expected, and optimistic resale estimates.
- Add restoration, holding, selling fee, uncertainty reserve, and desired profit.
- Use the expected-scenario result as a reference, then stress-test the conservative case before making an offer.
How the estimate works
The maximum acquisition budget equals resale proceeds after fees, minus restoration, holding costs, uncertainty reserve, and target profit.
The uncertainty reserve is a planning buffer, not a statistical confidence interval. Set it according to condition uncertainty, market volatility, and the reliability of comparable sales.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bid using the optimistic resale estimate?Usually not as the only basis. The optimistic result is useful for upside comparison; a conservative scenario better highlights downside risk.
What is an uncertainty reserve?It is an amount withheld from expected proceeds to allow for unexpected repairs, weaker demand, negotiation, or other surprises.
Why can the maximum buy price be zero?Your target profit and expected costs may exceed net resale proceeds. Under those assumptions, no positive purchase price meets the target.
Are restoration costs guaranteed?No. Use a realistic estimate and consider a larger contingency when work is invasive or the item has hidden defects.
Does the tool appraise the antique?No. It calculates a purchase budget from your inputs, not authenticity, condition, or market value.