Where these phones and tablets come from
The phones and tablets on offer come mainly from three sources. German customs (Zoll-Auktion) sells decommissioned IT equipment from public authorities, sometimes seized items. Courts and bailiffs (Justiz-Auktion) sell seized assets, including smartphones and tablets. Finally, liquidations and bankruptcies (Restlos, IVG, NetBid, AURENA, regional liquidators) clear entire stocks. These sales are scattered and often little known outside Germany. Bidorado brings them together and translates the listings. Lots are frequently sold as multiple devices, which suits resellers or experienced buyers.
Checkpoints before bidding
Read the German description carefully. Terms such as "ohne Festplatte" (no hard drive) or "BIOS-Passwort" (locked) are common on computers, but also on some phones and tablets: a locked device may be unusable without the password. "Ungeprüft" means untested, "defekt" faulty. Check whether the charger, battery and accessories are included. The keyboard layout is often QWERTZ, but this rarely affects phones. For tablets, check the storage capacity and connectivity. Finally, factor in buyer's premiums at private auction houses (15 to 33% plus VAT): Bidorado shows the all-in price.
Collection or delivery: what you need to know
Many lots are to be collected on site ("nur Abholung"). Other sellers ship within Germany, sometimes within the EU. If you cannot travel, arrange a carrier or a relay address in Germany. At private auction houses, buyer's premiums apply, often between 15 and 33%, plus German VAT of 19% depending on the scheme. An EU business with a valid VAT number can sometimes buy VAT-free by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller. Bidorado sells nothing: you bid on the seller's official website.