Customs, justice, VEBEG: who sells what?
Understand the official German sellers to know what to expect in terms of fees, delivery and warranty.
Zoll-Auktion (public administrations)
The joint platform of the federal government, the Länder, municipalities and customs: service vehicles, IT equipment, lost property, seized goods. No buyer's premium. Many lots are for collection on site.
Justiz-Auktion (justice)
Goods seized by bailiffs and courts: electronics, jewellery, wines, vehicles. No buyer's premium. Delivery often possible in Germany and Austria.
VEBEG (federal government)
The company that sells equipment from the federal administration and the armed forces. Many sales are by call for tenders: you submit a sealed bid before a deadline, without seeing other bids. VAT extra.
Licensed auctioneers and liquidators
Private auction houses and insolvency specialists: machines, stocks, furniture, art. Buyer's premiums of 15 to 20% apply, plus VAT where applicable.
Warranty
In public auctions, goods are generally sold as seen, without warranty. Hence the importance of reading the listing carefully and the points of attention flagged by Bidorado.