Provenance and checks before bidding
At German art auction houses, read the Provenienz, the Zustandsbericht and the notes signiert or Gebrauchsspuren. The Schätzpreis is an estimate, not a guaranteed price. The Limit or Ausruf is the starting price. Check dimensions, materials, restorations and any defects. For jewellery and seized items, also check Justiz-Auktion. The droit de suite (Folgerecht) may apply to certain works. For valuable cultural goods, an export licence may be required outside the EU. Ask for extra photos and raise your questions before the sale.
Fees, VAT and purchase orders
At art auction houses, buyer's fees often range from 25 to 33 %. German VAT of 19 % is added depending on the scheme: TVA en sus, TVA incluse or Differenzbesteuerung. An EU business with a valid intracommunity VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. Catalogued saleroom sales with live online bidding and timed online sales often accept purchase orders. Read each seller's terms: an auction generally offers neither guarantee nor right of withdrawal.
Collection, delivery and Nachverkauf
Many lots must be collected on site (nur Abholung). Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. For paintings, antiques and wines, transport is often at your own expense. If a lot fails to sell, it may go to Nachverkauf: ask the seller whether the lot is still available. Between Germany and another EU country, no customs duty applies. Delivery outside the EU (Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway) incurs import duties and VAT. Check the VAT scheme shown on each lot and arrange transport before bidding.