Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, feel free to contact our support team!
Bidding and winning
Lots from regular auctions are not delivered by Auctivo. If you are unable to collect the goods yourself, you may arrange an external transport company to handle the pickup and delivery on your behalf. Commonly used transporters include:
Please note: transport is always at your own risk.
Bidding on an item is simple once you're logged into your account. Just head to the lot you’re interested in. On the right-hand side of the page, you’ll find your bidding options.
If you want to bid manually, enter your amount and follow the prompts. Prefer to let the system handle it? You can also set up an automatic bid with your maximum amount—click More info under the Auto Bid section to see how that works.
Before placing any bid, make sure to tick the box agreeing to the terms and conditions. After that, hit Confirm to submit your bid. Once you do, the bid is final and legally binding—so double-check everything first.
A few important notes:
Don’t use dots or extra zeroes after decimals
Leave out the € symbol when entering amounts
You’re free to type your own bid amount instead of selecting the suggested one
In addition to your bid, extra charges apply in the form of a buyer’s premium and VAT. These percentages can vary depending on the country where the auction takes place. VAT is calculated on both the bid amount and the buyer’s premium.
Before you confirm your bid, you'll always be shown a clear breakdown of all applicable costs — including the final total. This way, you’ll know exactly what your full bid amount comes to, with no surprises.
Once confirmed, a bid cannot be cancelled. To help prevent mistakes, we’ve designed a two-step bidding process:
Place Bid
Confirm Bid
Up until step 2, you can still change your mind. However, once you’ve confirmed your bid in the second step — and agreed to our terms — your bid becomes final and binding.
Please take a moment to double-check everything before confirming, as you're committed to your bid after that point.
We appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help.
When taking part in an auction, you have two different ways to place a bid:
Manual Bidding:
With this method, you either accept the next suggested bid or enter your own amount. It’s a single action—if someone places a higher bid, you’ll need to return and submit a new one yourself.
Auto Bidding:
Auto bidding takes care of the bidding process for you. You decide the highest amount you're willing to spend, and the system will automatically increase your bid—but only when necessary—to keep you in the lead, up to that limit. Other participants won’t see your maximum. In the bidding history, automatic bids are shown with an “A” next to them.
Choosing manual bidding means you have to keep an eye on the auction and respond each time you’re outbid. Keep in mind: if a manual bid and an auto bid are for the same amount, the auto bid will take precedence because it was placed earlier. This gives auto bids a strategic edge and can improve your chances of winning.
Want to stop an auto bid? Just place a manual bid that’s one increment above the current highest bid, and the auto bid will no longer apply.
Even if you’re currently the highest bidder, it is still possible to place a higher bid on the same item. The website will notify you if you're about to outbid yourself, so you’ll know before confirming. Additionally, you’ll receive an email notification if someone else places a higher bid than yours.
Please note that we are unable to cancel your bid, as doing so would disrupt the auction process. All bids are binding and final. There is no cooling-off period (right of withdrawal) for public auctions, as defined by law and outlined in our terms and auction information.
A reserve price — also knwon as a minimum price is the lowest amount a seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is set privately and is not visible to bidders.
If a bid meets or exceeds the reserve price, the lot is awarded to the highest eligible bidder at the close of the auction. However, if the reserve is not met, the lot may still be awarded — especially if the bid comes close. The closer your offer is to the minimum price, the better your chances of securing the item.
In short: the lot will be sold if the highest bid equals or surpasses the minimum price. If not, the seller may still choose to accept the bid — but it’s not guaranteed.
Sometimes lots are listed with the note "Subject to allocation." But what does that mean for you as a bidder?
Even if you place the highest bid, the item is not automatically yours. Once the auction closes, your offer is submitted to the seller for approval—a process that typically takes up to 48 hours. If the seller accepts your bid, the sale is confirmed, and you can proceed with payment and arrange collection. However, if the seller decides not to accept the offer, the item will not be sold.
In most cases, the highest bid does lead to a successful purchase, but it's not guaranteed until the seller gives the final go-ahead.
To keep things fair and avoid last-second surprises, the auction clock is extended if someone places a bid near the end. Specifically, when a bid is submitted within the final two minutes, the auction stays open for another two minutes.
This approach removes the pressure of sniping in the final seconds. Instead of rushing, you get a clear window to place a response if you’re still interested. Whether you're actively bidding or just following a lot, this rule gives you enough time to make your move without the stress of a sudden cutoff.
Payment
At Auctivo, you can pay in a few different ways:
iDEAL
Bank transfer
Bancontact
Przelewy24
Please note: You can’t pay with PayPal, Giropay, or credit card.
We keep it simple so you can pay the way that works best for you.
You can find your invoice in your account after we’ve received your payment. Simply go to ‘Account’ and select ‘Purchases’. There you’ll find both your pending purchases and a history of past payments and invoices.
After you have won your lot, You can now proceed to pay for the lots you’ve won. Click on "Checkout" to start the process.
First, you’ll see an overview page displaying your account details. Take a moment to review the information and make any necessary adjustments. When everything is correct, click the 'continue'-button.
Next, VAT will be calculated based on the selected lots. To move forward, you must accept the terms and conditions. Please double-check your information—changes are no longer possible after this step. Once confirmed, click "Agree and Continue"."Agree and Continue".
Your payment order will then be created, allowing you to complete the payment right away.
Choose one of the payment methods such as iDEAL. Once your payment is completed, the invoice will be available in your account under ‘Invoice’.‘Invoice’.
Invoice & VAT
In most cases, invoices cannot be modified from business to personal (or vice versa) once the payment has been completed. This is due to legal and tax-related requirements that ensure proper documentation.
If your payment hasn’t been processed yet, you may still have the option to update your billing information during the checkout process or via your account settings.
Tip:
For case-specific assistance, it’s best to contact customer support as soon as possible.
To process your VAT refund, we require the following properly completed documents. Each document must clearly state the invoice number, the parties involved, and a description of the goods:
EX-A customs document, stamped (either manually or electronically) by customs, as proof of export outside the EU. (Check fields E and K)
CMR as evidence of road transport.
Packing list, detailing the contents of the container or truck — ideally including item numbers and descriptions.
Bill of lading, if the goods were shipped by sea, serving as proof of maritime transport.
Please note: all export documents must be issued in the name of the seller, which is not Auctivo B.V.. The seller's name can be found in the top-right corner of your pro forma invoice.
There must be a clear and traceable connection between the CMR, EX-A, and the packing list. Only if all goods are correctly listed on all documents and the documentation meets the above requirements can a VAT refund be granted.
Before making your payment, always double-check the details in your Auctivo account. Once the payment is completed, it's no longer possible to modify invoice data such as your name or address.
During checkout, you'll be asked to confirm your billing information. If anything is incorrect, pause the process and go to your account settings to make the necessary changes under ‘Your Account Information’.
Please note: it may take up to 30 minutes for the updated details to appear in the checkout flow. Make sure to wait before restarting the payment.
Please note: it may take up to 30 minutes for the updated details to appear in the checkout flow. Make sure to wait before restarting the payment.30 minutes for the updated details to appear in the checkout flow. Make sure to wait before restarting the payment.
If your company has purchased lots in a Dutch auction and plans to export them to a non-EU country within three months of the purchase date, you may be eligible to reclaim the VAT. However, Auctivo does not process VAT refund requests.
To reclaim VAT, you must arrange this directly with the Dutch tax authorities. In most cases, this requires registering for a temporary VAT number and providing proof of export, such as an EX-A document issued and stamped by customs.
All documentation and the refund request must be handled by you or your tax representative. Do not send any documents to Auctivo, as we are not involved in the VAT refund process.
Note for UK buyers (excluding Northern Ireland):
Due to Brexit, VAT must be paid in full and cannot be reclaimed. For questions, you may contact the Dutch tax office at:
+31 45 574 30 31
For business accounts within the EU
If your company is based in the EU and has a valid VAT number, but VAT still appears on your invoice, please reach out to us as soon as possible. You can contact us by sending an email to support@auctivo.net. Provided your VAT number is valid and properly linked to your account, we’ll try to issue a corrected VAT-exempt invoice.
For business accounts outside the EU
If your company is located outside the European Union, VAT will initially be applied. A refund may be possible if valid export documents are submitted. The process depends on your country’s regulations
For business accounts without a VAT number
If your account is registered as a business but does not include a VAT number, a VAT-free invoice cannot be issued. In such cases, VAT will be charged by default.
Deposit
In certain auctions, you're asked to pay a deposit (also called a security or guarantee payment) before placing bids. This requirement helps ensure that all participants are serious and committed to completing the purchase if they win a lot.
The amount of the deposit varies per auction and is clearly stated in advance. If you win one or more lots, the deposit will be deducted from your total payment. If you don’t win or are not obligated to pay, the full amount will be refunded.
Refunds are typically processed within a few working days, depending on the payment method you used.
To make a deposit, go to Account > Profile and scroll down to the Deposit section. There, click the "Add Deposit" button to proceed with the payment.
If you haven’t deposited yet, you’ll be prompted to do so automatically when placing a bid of €4,000 or higher. Once the deposit is successfully completed, you’ll be able to continue bidding without restrictions.
If all conditions are met, your refund will be processed within 7 business days.
This may be due to your account being blocked. When this happens, you're unable to participate in auctions, even if a deposit has already been made. The deposit will be automatically refunded within 60 days.
To resolve this and reactivate your account, please get in touch with us via support@auctivo.net
Your deposit will be automatically refunded within 60 days of payment. If you prefer an earlier refund, you can request it directly through our app. Go to My Profile > My Details and scroll to the 'Deposits' section to submit your request.
In certain situations, an immediate refund may not be possible. Before proceeding, please ensure the following:
You have no outstanding invoices or pending payments.
Your account is not currently blocked.
You are not the highest bidder on any active lots.
You do not have any lots awaiting checkout.
If any of these conditions apply, you’ll need to resolve them first. Once your refund has been processed, a confirmation will be sent to your email.
Collection
How is the pickup day arranged?
Each auction has specific pickup details listed under "auction info." If there is a fixed pickup date, it will also be shown on your invoice.
1. Scheduled pickup day
Sometimes we organize pickup by time slots. You’ll get an email with your assigned time slot 24 to 48 hours after the auction ends. The same schedule will also appear in the lot description.
Your time slot is based on your buyer number, which you can find on your invoice or in your account.
Please note: You must come at your assigned time. Coming at a different time or on another day is not allowed. If you can’t make it, we advise asking a transport company to pick up your lot.
2. Pickup by appointment
In some cases, pickup is only possible by making an appointment. After payment, we’ll send you an email with instructions to schedule a pickup time.
What you need to bring
Always bring your paid invoice. For vehicles or special items, you may also need to show ID or other documents.
Transport and loading
You are responsible for loading and transporting your lot. Sometimes a forklift is available at the location, but use is at your own risk—unless stated otherwise by the seller or in the auction details.
You’ll need to take care of loading your lot(s) yourself.
Sometimes there’s a forklift available at the pickup location. If that’s the case, it will be clearly mentioned in the auction details or in the lot description on our website.
Unfortunately, that’s not possible. In most cases, the auction location needs to be cleared quickly, so all buyers must collect their goods on the scheduled pickup date. This is also stated in the terms and conditions you receive with the winning bid confirmation.
If you don’t pick up your lot on time, extra costs may be charged or it may no longer be possible to collect it.
To collect your vehicle, bring:
- The paid invoice (printed or digital)
- A valid ID
Once your payment is processed, contact the seller (details in the auction info) to get the registration code. If you’re using a transport company, make sure the registration is transferred before pickup.
Want to transfer registration on the pickup day?
No problem — the seller will give you the code on site. For busy pickup days, you may receive the code in advance so you can register beforehand. This only happens if payment is complete.
How to transfer ownership:
Go to PostNL or an RDW-certified car dealer with the registration code. They’ll transfer the vehicle and give you a new code. You’ll receive the license card and second code by post, and a deregistration certificate. Hand this in when collecting your vehicle.
Costs:
Registration costs are at your own expense.
Transport arranged?
Make sure the vehicle is already registered in your name. After payment, request the code, complete the transfer, email us a copy of the deregistration certificate, and give the original to the transporter.
Note:
You must be 18 or older to register a vehicle.
If available, the dimensions will be listed in the lot description. Please note that all measurements are approximate. If no measurements are provided, we recommend estimating the size based on the photos or attending the viewing day for a better assessment.
Yes they can, make sure they have a copy of your paid invoice.
Export
If you're planning to ship your lot abroad, it's important to know what applies to your situation — whether you're based in the EU or outside it.
For buyers within the EU
Buyers from EU countries generally don’t need to take extra steps when transporting lots from Dutch, Belgian or German auctions to their home country. The process is straightforward, except in some cases — such as vehicles or certain technical equipment. For those, it’s best to check with our support team through the chat function.
Are you purchasing with a business account and a valid VAT number? Then VAT will be automatically reversed and you don’t need to pay it upfront. If you're buying as a private individual, VAT must be paid and cannot be shifted.
For buyers outside the EU
Exporting to a non-EU country involves more responsibility. Auctivo does not handle export arrangements — this is entirely up to you as the buyer. VAT is always charged initially, but after the lot has officially left the EU, you can request a refund (usually within 2–3 months).
Important reminders:
- The lot must leave the EU within 3 months after purchase for a VAT refund to be considered.
- If you’re handling transport yourself, make sure all customs and export papers are in order.
- Working with a logistics provider? Make clear agreements about the necessary export documents — they’re usually familiar with the process.
- Once the export is complete, send us the filled-in EX-A form (customs proof of export). Our financial team will then process your refund.
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