A Guide to Selling machinery at auctions
Below are some great tips that are going to help you sell machinery at auctions like a professional.
Where to sell
It is important to decide where you are going to sell because it is going to help you get the best price possible. Different markets across the world are going to attract different buyers. There are some who are interested in certain makes. You have to research the market before you sell because it will prove invaluable.
Photos and descriptions
If you will list the product online, then keep in mind that most buyers are not going to get the chance to inspect the machinery in person before buying it. This is why you need to take as many photos as possible and write comprehensive descriptions that the potential buyers are going to look at when learning more about the machinery. Make sure you have close-up photos of the machine so that the potential buyers can see the various details that may interest them. You also have to include full-sized photos.
The descriptions must have all the pertinent details about the items like the make, year, model, capabilities, history, and any accessories you are selling alongside the machine. The owner’s manual is going to help you support your facts.
Keep in mind that shopping online means the buyer has to rely on the information you have provided. Try your best to be as transparent as possible because it is going to protect your reputation as a seller.
Getting the Machinery There
You obviously need to get the machinery to auction to ensure it can be sold. Depending on the item you may be able to bring the goods yourself to auction. If the items are heavier or less mobile then you may need to consider heavy machinery or agriculture logistics to do so.
Thinking like a buyer
You need to start thinking like a smart buyer if you want to be a smart seller. Ask yourself how would you like a machine to be presented when you are interested in buying it? Presenting the machine is going to give you the best price. Many buyers are looking for machines that have low hours when buying from auctions, but there could be a problem if the low-hour machine has had a tough life.
There are some things you can do when selling the machine that will help you get the best price. Have the machined cleaned because it is going to make a lot of difference? If the machine has been heavily used, then make sure the critical components are refurbished and any damage repaired. You can get the maximum value out of the machine by making a small investment. The small things are going to increase the value of the machine.
- Bulbs, mirrors, and windscreen condition – missing/broken mirrors, missing wiper blades, broken light casings or lenses, and damaged cab glass shows that the machine has not been taken care of.
- Filters, fuel, and battery – have a half-full fuel tank and a fully charged battery when giving the machine for a pre-auction inspection. Renewing fuel filters helps in reducing the risk of blockages.
- Tires – The tires need to match all around and choose good brands like Goodyear. Choose new tires overused ones because you might be losing money on the final sale thinking that you are saving some money.
- Repair any scratches and dents so that the machine appears well maintained.
- Checking for oil or fluid leaks. Check that hoses and rams aren’t damaged or shot.
Make sure you have the documentation on the equipment because the buyer is going to ask. You can ask for the best price when you can show the service history of the vehicle. If a main dealer has carried out the servicing, the information is going to be on record and you can include it on the sale catalog to be distributed during the auction. Other documentation you need to have include machine ID, CE documents, and visible serial plates. These documents should be ready before the auction will make things easier.
The above tips will go a long way in helping you sell your machinery at auctions.
