Where do these lots in Germany come from?
Vehicles offered at auction in Germany come from several sources. Government departments sell their decommissioned service vehicles on Zoll-Auktion: police cars, fire service vehicles, municipal vans. Goods seized by bailiffs and courts are sold on Justiz-Auktion. VEBEG, a federal company, disposes of government and military equipment, often by sealed tender. Insolvent companies go through liquidation and insolvency platforms. Finally, hundreds of private auction houses offer used vehicles, machinery, trailers, boats and car parts. Each seller sets their own terms. Pre-sale viewings are often possible, allowing you to inspect the vehicle on site.
How to bid from the UK?
Bidorado is a free search engine that brings together public and private auctions in Germany, translated into 20 languages. It does not sell anything: you bid on the seller's official website. To take part, create an account with the seller, read the terms of sale and register for the relevant auction. Bidding is online, by written bid or by phone depending on the platform. Check buyer's fees and VAT before bidding. A UK or EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. An auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal like a standard online purchase: read each seller's terms.
The real price: fees and VAT
The price shown on Bidorado includes buyer's fees and VAT where known. For private sellers, buyer's fees (Aufgeld) are generally 15 to 20% with liquidators and industrial platforms, often 25 to 33% with art auction houses. German VAT of 19% is added depending on the scheme: VAT added, VAT included, or margin scheme (Differenzbesteuerung). Zoll-Auktion and Justiz-Auktion do not charge buyer's fees. VEBEG may apply a specific VAT scheme indicated on each lot. For a vehicle, also consider transport costs, any repairs and registration formalities. A UK or EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport, depending on the seller.
Collection and transport
Many lots are to be collected on site (nur Abholung). Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU, but transport is often your responsibility. To take a vehicle out of Germany by road, the usual route is the export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen, with temporary insurance). Short-term plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) are generally intended for driving in Germany and their use abroad is often refused. In the UK, a temporary WW registration is possible. Transport on a trailer avoids the question of plates and suits non-running (nicht fahrbereit) or accident-damaged (Unfallfahrzeug) vehicles. Check whether the vehicle can drive: damaged engine (Motorschaden), expired MOT (ohne TÜV or HU abgelaufen), registration cancelled (Zulassung erloschen).
Documents and formalities
Before bidding, check the available documents: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II (registration certificate, the former Fahrzeugbrief) and the HU/TÜV roadworthiness test. To register the vehicle in the UK, you need a certificate of conformity, a tax clearance and a DVLA application. If the vehicle comes from another EU country, no customs duty is due. Only delivery outside the EU (Switzerland, UK, Norway…) incurs import duties and VAT. For machinery, the mandatory safety inspection (UVV) may be required. Forklifts and pallet trucks are not vehicles in this category: they are found in Business Equipment. Read each seller's terms carefully: an auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal.
Pitfalls to avoid
Many lots end without a single bid, because sales are scattered and little known outside Germany. That is the purpose of Bidorado's Radar. To avoid unpleasant surprises, read the German description: nicht fahrbereit (not roadworthy), Motorschaden (engine damaged), Unfallfahrzeug (accident-damaged vehicle), ohne TÜV or HU abgelaufen (MOT expired), Zulassung erloschen (registration cancelled). Check the first registration (EZ) and the general condition. Make sure the vehicle can be collected on site or shipped. Anticipate buyer's fees and VAT. Do not rely on a single photo. Ask the seller questions before the sale. Finally, bear in mind that a bid is a firm commitment.