Where these wholesale lots in Germany come from
Wholesale lots come from various sources. German customs (Zoll-Auktion) sell seized or decommissioned goods, with no buyer's fees. Courts and bailiffs (Justiz-Auktion) offer seized goods, also with no buyer's fees. VEBEG, a federal company, disposes of government and military equipment, often by sealed tender. In addition, there are liquidation and insolvency platforms, as well as hundreds of private auction houses. You can find stock from shops in liquidation (Lagerauflösung), end-of-line goods (Restposten, Sonderposten), pallets of customer returns (Retourenware, Retourenpalette), downgraded goods (B-Ware), mixed pallets (Mischpalette), unsorted lots (unsortiert), untested returns (ungeprüfte Retouren) and bankruptcy goods (Konkursware). These goods are often sold as a single lot, as seen, and sometimes reserved for professionals.
How to bid from the UK
Bidorado is a free search engine that brings together public and private auctions from Germany, translated into 7 languages. It does not sell anything: you bid on the seller's official website. To take part, create an account with the relevant seller, check the terms of sale and register before the deadline. Some sales are held online, others by sealed tender. Prepare your documents: ID, proof of business if required, and a valid EU VAT number for a purchase outside German VAT. Follow the calendar: sales are scattered and little known outside Germany, which is why many lots go without a single bid. Bidorado's Radar helps you spot these opportunities. Read each seller's terms carefully: an auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal like a standard online purchase.
The real price: fees, VAT and cost per unit
The price shown is not always the final price. With private sellers, buyer's fees (Aufgeld) are added: usually 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 the margin scheme (Differenzbesteuerung). Bidorado shows the price with buyer's fees and VAT where known. For a bulk lot, calculate the price per unit that is actually resellable, including fees and transport. Allow for non-sellable units, untested returns (ungeprüfte Retouren) and sorting costs. An EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy outside German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. Check the VAT scheme stated on each lot.
Collection and transport of pallets
Many lots must be collected on site (nur Abholung). Arrange a suitable vehicle, a loading dock or a forklift. Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU, but pallet transport often remains for you to organise. For pallets, check the dimensions, weight and loading method. If you cannot travel, ask a specialist carrier for a quote. Collection may be limited to specific time slots. Allow for handling and storage costs if you cannot remove the lot quickly. For deliveries outside the EU (Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway...), import duties and VAT apply. Between Germany and another EU country, no customs duty is due. Also allow for packaging and protection of fragile goods.
Paperwork and formalities
Before bidding, check the documents required by the seller. For a business purchase outside VAT, you need a valid VAT number and proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung). Some lots may be reserved for businesses or subject to special conditions. Read the terms of sale: an auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal like a standard online purchase. For lots from customs or courts, no buyer's fees apply, but other formalities may exist. Keep invoices and payment receipts. If you buy to resell, make sure the goods are free of duties and that you can prove their origin. If in doubt, contact the seller before the sale.
Pitfalls to avoid
Do not rely on the hammer price alone. Include buyer's fees, VAT, transport and sorting. Be wary of unsorted lots (unsortiert) and untested returns (ungeprüfte Retouren): some may be unsellable. Check whether the lot is sold as seen, without guarantee. For mixed pallets (Mischpalette), assess the proportion of genuinely resellable products. Calculate the price per unit, not the overall price. Allow for storage and handling costs. Do not assume that all sellers ship: many require collection on site (nur Abholung). Finally, bear in mind that an auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal. Read each seller's terms and ask your questions before bidding.