Where collection lots come from
Collections put up for sale come from a range of sources. German auction houses offer catalogued saleroom sales, with live online bidding, and timed online sales. Goods seized by bailiffs and courts go through Justiz-Auktion, including jewellery and valuables. Customs and municipalities also sell seized items via Zoll-Auktion. For valuable pieces, read the German notice: it states the origin, defects and terms such as "ungeprüft" or "defekt". A published estimate, the Schätzpreis, gives an indication, with no guarantee of the result.
Checks before bidding
At private auction houses, buyer's fees are added, often between 25 and 33%, plus German VAT of 19% depending on the scheme, VAT excluded, VAT included or margin scheme. Bidorado shows the all-in price. Check the actual condition, dimensions, restorations, certificates and invoices. For works by living or recent artists, resale right may apply. For certain valuable cultural goods, an export licence may be required outside the EU. An absentee bid is still possible if you cannot follow the sale live.
Collection, delivery and export
Many lots must be collected on site, marked "nur Abholung". Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. For a painting, an antique or a piece of jewellery, request a quote from a specialist carrier and suitable insurance before bidding. A carrier or a relay address in Germany lets you bring a lot over. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy free of German VAT by providing proof of transport, depending on the seller. Allow time for authorisation when cultural goods are involved.