6 Unwritten Rules Of Selling Used Machinery Online

Selling used equipment is an excellent way to dispose of old machinery and recoup some of your original investment. There are different ways to sell old machinery – through brokers, directly to buyers, or by using online industrial marketplaces. There’s a growing interest in online marketplaces because they are easy and convenient – and they dramatically increase access to a large pool of buyers and sellers. If you’ve never sold anything online, don’t worry – it’s easy to list items for auction or sale. Read the rules and regulations of the site you’re using to make sure you’re not violating any terms or conditions. However, there are also a few unwritten rules of selling used equipment online. Read on and find out more:

Rule 1: Clean Your Equipment

Just because your equipment is used, doesn’t mean you have to literally sell it “as-is”. If you have used farm equipment or used construction equipment, your machines are probably dirtier than most. So, take the time to get them cleaned before selling them online. If the items need some minor repairs, make them. A few minutes or hours of your time may help sell your equipment faster and get a higher price.

Rule 2: Include All Manuals and Warranties

Most likely, someone buying specialized machines, for example, used pulp and paper equipment, will know how to operate them. However, it’s still a good idea to include manuals and other paperwork with your item. That way, the buyer will have a reference should they need it. Make sure to check if warranties are transferable, so they can get serviced by the original manufacturer should the machine break down.

Rule 3: Offer a Good Deal

Everyone loves a good deal. Buyers especially will be enticed to purchase something if they feel they are getting a bargain. So, if you have any extra accessories, include them for the same price. Offer a discount for cash purchases or if the buyer can pick up the item. Free shipping (if applicable) is also one way to entice buyers on the fence.

Rule 4: Transparency is Crucial

Always be honest when you list any used equipment on sale. If you try to hide any defects, the buyer will eventually find out, which can lead to trouble later. Also, since the sale is via the Internet, buyers will want to know as much as possible about what they are purchasing. Make sure to include numerous pictures on your listing. Disclose any flaws and defects in your item description so that buyers are fully informed of what they are purchasing.

Rule 5: Price Your Item Fairly

Pricing can be tricky, especially since each piece of equipment is unique. The item’s age and condition are important factors when trying to figure out how much to price your equipment. However, outside factors, like demand and supply may also play a row. You want to be able to price your item to attract buyers, but not so low that you end up spending more to sell the item than you can recoup.

Rule 6: Be Available to Potential Buyers

Buyers interested in your equipment will most likely have questions. Don’t ignore these questions and make sure you answer them as quickly as possible. Some buyers might not have time to wait and are looking to buy quickly, so you want to be available for questions and clarifications. You don’t want to miss a sale because you couldn’t be bothered to reply to an email.

These 6 ‘rules’ will help you sell your surplus equipment and get a fair market price. You can read more about selling through online marketplaces here.