“Im Kundenauftrag” (on behalf of a customer) – two words that change everything in a car listing. Many buyers don’t recognise what they mean and assume they are buying from a dealer. A mistake that can be expensive.
What does “im Kundenauftrag” (on behalf of a customer) mean?
A car dealership or dealer brokers the vehicle for a private owner. The dealer only acts as an intermediary – legally the purchase counts as a private sale, not a dealer sale.
Why does this matter?
As a buyer, you have significantly fewer rights in a private sale:
- No statutory warranty: buying from a dealer comes with 12 months’ warranty. In a private sale it can be excluded by contract – and usually is.
- No right of withdrawal: you cannot withdraw from the purchase as you could with a regular dealer purchase.
- Liability unclear: if defects appear, the actual owner is liable – someone you often don’t know and may find hard to reach.
How do I recognise “Kundenauftrag” (customer order) listings?
Typical phrases: “Im Kundenauftrag”, “Für unseren Kunden”, “Im Auftrag des Eigentümers”, “Kommissionsfahrzeug” (on behalf of a customer / owner, consignment vehicle). Even if the advertiser has a dealer address – as soon as these phrases appear, private sale rules apply.
What should I do?
Before buying, ask explicitly who the legal owner is and whether there is a dealer warranty. Get this confirmed in writing. And have the vehicle inspected on site by a partner workshop through InseratCheck – before you buy.
Analyse the listing automatically
InseratCheck automatically detects “Kundenauftrag” phrases and shows you what rights you have – even before you contact the seller.