Where these tool lots come from
Tool lots come mainly from company liquidations run by insolvency administrators: workshops, garages, construction or catering firms that are ceasing trading. Customs and court sales add to this, along with equipment from public authorities and the military sold by the federal company, often by sealed-bid tender. Liquidation platforms and auction houses complete the flow. Sales are scattered and little known outside Germany, which sometimes leaves lots with no bids at all. Bidorado gathers these translated listings and shows the all-in price.
Checkpoints before bidding
Read the German description carefully: "ungeprüft" means untested, "defekt" defective, "nur für Gewerbetreibende" trade only. For a machine tool or forklift, check the voltage, power, wear, accessories included and that no parts are missing. Check CE conformity and that documentation is present. At private auction houses, buyer's fees apply, often between 15 and 33 per cent, plus German VAT of 19 per cent depending on the scheme. An EU business with a valid VAT number can often buy VAT-free by providing proof of transport.
Collection, dismantling and delivery
Many lots are for collection on site, marked "nur Abholung". Dismantling and removal are the buyer's responsibility, within a deadline set by the seller, sometimes with an approved carrier. Bring tools, handling equipment and a vehicle suited to the weight and volume. Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. If you are not on site, a relay address or a carrier in Germany allows you to receive the lot. Check the deadline before bidding: late collection can incur storage fees.