Where these lots in Germany come from
Professional equipment lots mainly come from company liquidations handled by insolvency administrators (Insolvenzverwalter). You will find machine tools, forklifts, construction and catering equipment, as well as agricultural and medical equipment. Other sales come from Zoll-Auktion, the platform of customs and local authorities, from Justiz-Auktion for assets seized by courts, and from VEBEG, which sells off government and military equipment, often by sealed bid tender. Add liquidation and insolvency platforms such as Restlos, IVG, NetBid or AURENA, and hundreds of private auction houses. Each sale has its own rules, fees and deadlines. Bidorado does not sell anything: it brings these scattered sales together, translates them and shows the all-in price for useful comparison.
How to bid from your country
Bidorado is a free search engine: you find the lot, then you bid on the seller's official website. Create an account with the relevant auctioneer or platform, read the terms of sale and check whether the auction is online, by written bid or by sealed bid tender. At private auction houses, buyer's fees (Aufgeld) apply, often between 15 and 33%, plus German VAT of 19% depending on the scheme. At Zoll-Auktion and Justiz-Auktion, there are no buyer's fees. An EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. Plan your total budget before bidding, not just the hammer price.
The real price: fees, VAT and options
The displayed price is not always the price paid. At most liquidators and auction houses, buyer's fees and VAT are added. The VAT scheme varies: VAT added, VAT included, or margin scheme (Differenzbesteuerung). Bidorado shows the all-in price to avoid unpleasant surprises. At VEBEG, prices are often excluding VAT. A European business can often reclaim or avoid German VAT with a valid VAT number and proof of transport. Add the cost of dismantling, loading, transport and, if needed, a licensed carrier. For a heavy or bulky lot, get a quote before bidding. Also check whether the lot is sold "nur für Gewerbetreibende", reserved for businesses.
Collection, transport and removal
Many lots must be collected on site ("nur Abholung"). Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU, but this remains the exception for machines and bulky equipment. A carrier or a relay address in Germany allows you to bring a lot over. At liquidators, dismantling and removal are the buyer's responsibility within a fixed deadline, sometimes with a licensed carrier. Plan lifting equipment, straps, padding and any necessary permits. If you cannot travel, appoint a local company or a trusted partner to inspect and remove the lot. Check collection times and access restrictions before confirming your purchase.
Documents, compliance and formalities
For professional machinery and equipment, check CE conformity and the actual condition of the lot. German descriptions are precise: "defekt" (defective), "ungeprüft" (untested), "ohne Festplatte" (without hard drive), "BIOS-Passwort" (locked). Bidorado flags them. For an intra-EU purchase as a business, provide your valid VAT number and arrange proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung) if the seller accepts it. Keep invoices, delivery notes and transport documents. For medical or agricultural equipment, check certifications and maintenance history when available. If in doubt, ask for additional photos or an on-site visit before bidding.
Pitfalls to avoid
Do not rely on the hammer price alone: buyer's fees, VAT, transport and refurbishment can inflate the bill. Always read the terms of sale and the lot description. Be wary of mentions such as "ungeprüft" or "defekt": the equipment may need costly repairs. Check CE conformity and the condition of safety equipment. For lots marked "nur für Gewerbetreibende", make sure you have the required status. Anticipate the collection deadlines imposed by liquidators: after the deadline, storage fees may apply. Many lots sell without a single bid, because sales are scattered and little known outside Germany. Bidorado's Radar helps you spot these opportunities, but analysing the lot and costs remains your responsibility.