Origin of lots
Sports and leisure lots come from various sources. Administrations and bankrupt companies sell their office furniture, often in good condition but with Gebrauchsspuren. Private auction houses offer antique and designer furniture, bicycles and sports equipment. Customs and courts auction seized items, including bicycles, sports gear, clothing and branded bags. VEBEG sells off government and military equipment, sometimes by sealed tender. Each seller applies their own terms, so read the listing carefully.
Checkpoints before bidding
Before bidding, examine the photos and description. Look for mentions of Kratzer, unvollständig or Gebrauchsspuren. For furniture, check dimensions and whether dismantling is possible. For bicycles, check the condition of wheels, frame and brakes. For fashion and branded bags, ensure the seller states authenticity. Take into account buyer's fees, typically 15 to 20% at liquidators and 25 to 33% at art auction houses, plus 19% VAT depending on the scheme. An auction generally offers neither guarantee nor right of withdrawal.
Collection or delivery
Many lots are to be collected on site, with the mention Selbstabholung. Bulky furniture often requires Abbau durch den Käufer, i.e. dismantling by the buyer. Plan a suitable vehicle and help. Small items, such as clothing, bags or sports accessories, are sometimes shipped within Germany or the EU, especially if the listing mentions Originalverpackung. For delivery outside the EU, customs duties and import VAT apply. Between Germany and another EU country, no customs duties are due. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport.