I gifted a sailing boat to an enthusiast who would not have been able to afford this boat otherwise.
I notified the broker that I had decided to gift the boat who acknowledged this with no further comment.
The boat had been for sale for a few years.
I asked the broker for the final winter storage bill but was met with an email to tell me he had reduced his commission bill and was I in agreement.
The original wording of his commission years ago was
"I can confirm we operate on the basis of Sole Selling Rights at a commission of x % of the sale price + VAT, subject to a minimum of £xxx + VAT.
Having gifted the dinghy this is the message I received -
".... bearing in mind you gave the boat to xxxxx for nil cost, I believe it would be harsh to charge you this amount.
In the circumstances and looking back on the work we did in trying to sell her, I am prepared to reduce our commission to £xx + VAT."
Having worked in property where I was paid commission only on a deal going through, I was really taken aback to receive this request for money.
Should I pay the broker his admittedly reduced commission bill?
I believe commission is paying on a percentage of the amount of the sale. In this case no money changed hands - so no commission.
Am I missing something?
Would be grateful for feedback, thanks