Art and collectables at auction in Germany

Where these lots in Germany come from

Art and collectible lots come mainly from German auction houses, which hold catalogued saleroom sales with live online bidding, as well as timed online sales. In addition, there are public platforms: Justiz-Auktion, which sells assets seized by bailiffs and courts, including jewellery and valuables, and Zoll-Auktion, which sells goods seized by customs. Liquidation and insolvency platforms also offer individual pieces. Bidorado does not sell anything: it brings together these public and private sales from Germany, translated into 7 languages, and directs you to the seller's official website to bid.

How to bid from the UK

Find the lot on Bidorado, then open the official seller's listing. At auction houses, you can bid in the saleroom, by phone, by written purchase order or live online during the sale. Timed online sales end at a fixed time. Read the Schätzpreis (estimate), the Limit or the Ausruf (starting price), and request a Zustandsbericht (condition report) if the lot interests you. A purchase order lets you set your maximum without being present. Check the seller's terms, accepted languages and payment methods. Many lots sell without a single bid, because sales are scattered and little known outside Germany: that is the purpose of Bidorado's Radar.

The real price: buyer's fees and VAT

At auction houses, buyer's fees (Aufgeld) often range from 25 to 33%. At liquidators and industrial platforms, expect generally 15 to 20%. German VAT of 19% is added depending on the scheme: VAT added, VAT included, or the margin scheme (Differenzbesteuerung). On certain works, a resale right (Folgerecht) may apply. Bidorado displays the price with buyer's fees and VAT when known, but the final price is calculated on the seller's website. An EU professional with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. Always check the scheme indicated on each lot.

Collection, transport and shipping

Many lots are to be collected on site (nur Abholung). For a painting, a chest of drawers or a lot of wines, arrange a carrier or a suitable vehicle. Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU, especially for jewellery, watches, coins and stamps, but this must be checked case by case. Ask for a packing and shipping quote before bidding if the lot is fragile. For bulky items, compare the transport cost with the lot price. If you buy from outside the EU, delivery incurs import duties and VAT. Between Germany and another EU country, there are no customs duties. An auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal like a standard online purchase.

Paperwork, provenance and formalities

Read the Provenienz (provenance) and check whether the work is signiert (signed). For jewellery, watches and coins, ask for clear photos and a condition report. For wines and spirits, check the level, label and storage conditions. For certain valuable cultural goods, an export licence may be required outside the EU: find out before bidding. Sales on Justiz-Auktion and Zoll-Auktion do not charge buyer's fees, but the terms and payment deadlines remain those of the seller. At auction houses, a Nachverkauf (after-sale) may allow you to acquire an unsold lot. Keep invoices and transport documents.

Pitfalls to avoid

Do not rely on a single photo: ask for detail views and a Zustandsbericht. Gebrauchsspuren (signs of wear) are common on antiques and silverware. Check for restorations, missing parts or replaced pieces. For watches and jewellery, check hallmarks and authenticity. For coins and stamps, beware of fakes and reprints. Read each seller's terms: generally no guarantee and no right of withdrawal. Anticipate buyer's fees, VAT, transport and, outside the EU, import duties and VAT. Do not bid beyond your total budget. Finally, check payment and collection deadlines, as storage fees may apply.