Where these catering lots come from
Professional catering lots come mainly from company liquidations conducted by Insolvenzverwalter, as well as sales of equipment retired by customs and public authorities. You will find ovens, fryers, dishwashers, stainless steel tables, cold rooms and small kitchen tools. Liquidation platforms and private auction houses complete the offering. Each listing states the condition of the equipment with German terms such as betriebsbereit, ohne Funktionsprüfung, ungeprüft or defekt. Read these terms carefully: they determine the real risk before you bid.
Checks before bidding
Check the Baujahr, the power supply voltage (Starkstrom or 400 V for three-phase) and compatibility with your premises. A lot nur für Gewerbetreibende is reserved for businesses. For medical equipment, recommissioning may require maintenance or requalification by an approved body. Also plan for dismantling and transport: Demontage durch den Käufer means everything is your responsibility. Take into account buyer's fees and German VAT of 19% depending on the scheme stated on each lot.
Collection, delivery and deadlines
Many lots must be collected on site, with an Abholfrist to observe. Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU, sometimes via an approved carrier. Arrange a suitable vehicle, straps and manpower for heavy machines. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport, depending on the seller. Outside the EU, duties and import VAT apply. An auction generally offers neither a guarantee nor a right of withdrawal: read the seller's terms.