Where laptops come from
The laptops on offer come mainly from Zoll-Auktion, the platform of German customs and public authorities, which sells off decommissioned IT equipment. There are also seized lots via Justiz-Auktion, from bailiffs and courts, as well as insolvency stocks sold by liquidation platforms or licensed auctioneers. These sales are scattered and little known outside Germany. Bidorado brings them together and translates the listings. Lots are often sold as multiple devices, sometimes of different models. The German descriptions state the actual condition: defekt, ungeprüft, ohne Festplatte or BIOS-Passwort. Keyboards are in German QWERTZ layout.
Checkpoints before bidding
Read the German description carefully. A lot ohne Festplatte means the hard drive has been removed, often to protect data. A BIOS-Passwort indicates a locked computer, difficult to reuse without intervention. Ungeprüft means untested: operation is not guaranteed. Defekt indicates a defective device. Check whether accessories such as the charger are included. With private auction houses, buyer's fees are added, often between 15 and 33%, plus German VAT of 19% depending on the scheme. Bidorado displays the all-inclusive price. An EU business with an intracommunity VAT number can sometimes buy VAT-free by providing proof of transport.
Collection or delivery of lots
Many lots are to be collected on site, indicated by nur Abholung. Other sellers ship within Germany or the EU. If you cannot travel, use a courier or a relay address in Germany to receive the lot and forward it. Check the seller's terms before bidding: some do not ship, others limit delivery to Germany. Shipping and packaging costs are at your expense. For bulky or multiple lots, compare the transport cost with the hammer price. Bidorado does not sell anything: you bid on the seller's official website.