Where these catering lots come from
Professional catering lots come mainly from company liquidations run by insolvency administrators, after bankruptcy or closure. Customs, bailiff and court sales add to this, along with liquidation platforms and auction houses. You will find kitchen, preparation, storage and serving equipment from restaurants, canteens, hotels and caterers. Goods are sold as seen, often described in German with terms such as "defekt" or "ungeprüft". Each sale remains scattered and little known outside Germany, which is why many lots go unsold.
Checks before you bid
Read the German description and look for "defekt", "ungeprüft" or "nur für Gewerbetreibende". Check CE conformity, supply voltage and frequency, and parts availability. For cooking or refrigeration equipment, check the condition of the circuit, that there are no leaks and that accessories are included. At private auction houses, buyer's fees apply, often between 15 and 33%, plus German VAT of 19% depending on the scheme. Bidorado shows the all-in price. An EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy VAT-free by providing proof of transport.
Collection, dismantling and delivery
Many lots are sold "nur Abholung", to be collected on site. Dismantling and removal are the buyer's responsibility, within a deadline set by the seller, sometimes with an approved carrier. Plan for weight, size and disconnections. Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. A carrier or a relay address in Germany lets you bring a lot over. For a VAT-free business purchase, keep the proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung). Finally, check the actual condition on handover and report any discrepancy before leaving the site.