Where these tech lots in Germany come from
Tech lots sold at auction in Germany come mainly from three types of sellers. Customs and public authorities (Zoll-Auktion) regularly decommission their IT equipment: computers, monitors, phones, networking gear and office equipment. Courts and bailiffs (Justiz-Auktion) auction seized assets, including electronic devices. Finally, liquidations and insolvency proceedings sell entire company stocks, via specialised platforms or licensed auctioneers. Add to that hundreds of private auction houses. These sales are scattered and little known outside Germany, which is why many lots end without a single bid. That is exactly what Bidorado's Radar makes visible for buyers across Europe.
How to bid from your country
Bidorado does not sell anything: it gathers the sales and links to the seller's official website, where the auction takes place. You search in the tech category, open the lot page, then bid directly with the German seller. Listings are in German, but Bidorado translates the information into seven languages, including English. Create an account on the relevant platform, check the terms of sale and the closing date. Some sales are classic auctions, others are sealed-bid tenders, especially with the federal seller VEBEG. Arrange a payment method accepted in Germany and, if needed, a delivery address or collection point. Always read the German lot description before bidding.
The real price: fees, VAT and all-in price
The price shown by the seller is not always the final price. At private auction houses, buyer's fees (Aufgeld) are added, often between 15 and 33 per cent, plus German VAT of 19 per cent depending on the applicable scheme: VAT added, VAT included or margin scheme. Customs and court platforms generally do not charge buyer's fees. VEBEG often sells VAT-free. Bidorado displays the all-in price, allowing you to compare lots on a fair basis. An EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport, depending on the seller. Check this before bidding.
Collection, transport and shipping
Many high-tech lots are collection only, marked "nur Abholung". Other sellers ship within Germany, sometimes across the European Union. For a computer or monitor, collection in person is still common because the equipment is bulky or fragile. If you cannot travel, a carrier or a relay address in Germany can bring the lot to you. Check the collection deadline set by the seller and the actual cost of transport before bidding. For small devices, shipping to the UK is sometimes possible, but it must be confirmed by the seller. Plan for packaging and insurance, especially for lots of several devices sold together.
Paperwork, VAT and formalities
German public auctions generate sale documents: an invoice or receipt from the seller, sometimes a bidding slip. Keep them, as they serve as proof of purchase and transport. For a business purchase without VAT, the seller may ask for proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung) and a valid intra-community VAT number. Rules vary by seller and tax regime: VAT added, VAT included or margin scheme. Bidorado does not provide legal or tax advice. If in doubt, ask the seller before the auction what documents will be provided and how VAT will be applied. Also allow for customs or international transport costs if the lot leaves Germany.
Pitfalls to avoid with computer equipment
German listings describe the condition of equipment precisely, often using words that English-speaking buyers may not know. "Defekt" means faulty, "ungeprüft" untested, "ohne Festplatte" without hard drive, often removed to protect data, and "BIOS-Passwort" indicates a locked device. These terms are common on ex-government equipment and seized lots. Bidorado flags them for you to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also note that keyboards are in German layout (QWERTZ), which can hinder daily use. Lots are often sold as multiple devices, with no guarantee of individual operation. Read the full description, look at the photos and ask questions before bidding.