The nature of modern business means manufacturers of all sizes need to cut costs and capital expenditure wherever possible. One way businesses can slash their cost base is by purchasing used machinery at online auctions.
There are thousands of quality second-hand machines lying unused and collecting dust in factories and workshops around the world. Whether these items of equipment are in need of repair or in full working order, they have a significant cash value to the businesses that own then – and the businesses that need them.
Tried and tested machinery at competitive prices
The cost-savings possible when buying used machinery instead of new are significant, but that’s not the only reason firms of all sizes buy at auction. The nature of many modern manufacturing processes involving requires extremely precise machines. In many ways, a new machine is an unknown entity. It doesn’t have a proven track record of accurate and efficient performance, so a buyer can’t be sure of its quality. A second-hand machine, on the other hand, usually has several years of faithful service under its belt. In many cases, a prospective buyer can inspect parts and workpieces processed by the machine in question before making an offer.
Reputable online machine auctioneers go to great lengths to ensure the machinery they sell is in good condition. Whilst not every machine sold at auction is in perfect working order, they are often capable of performing like new with some servicing and maintenance. This gives buyers the confidence to save money by acquiring used equipment instead of new.
What are the benefits for buyers?
Speed – New machines are often made to order, which means there is a significant lead time for delivery. Buying a used machine, however, means companies can have it operational within days. This fast turnaround is essential if a new or existing contract hinges on a specific manufacturing process beginning quickly.
Cost – The most obvious advantage of buying machinery at auction involves cost. The savings possible when compared to the purchase of new machines are significant, and they can be the difference between a company’s profitability and recording a loss.
Expert inspections – Metalworking and woodworking machinery auctioneers are usually experts in their field. They possess the knowledge and experience needed to fully check the machines they sell before they are listed for sale. This is hugely important to small businesses which need to minimise maintenance and repair costs as a priority.
What are the benefits for sellers?
Earn cash after upgrading – If your business has recently upgraded to new machinery, you can cash in on your old equipment without the hassle of finding a buyer yourself.
Leave the hard work to someone else – Your attentions will quite rightly be on your business, your customers, and your staff. By selling at auction, you can let an expert take care of appraisals, the maintenance of old equipment and the process of finding a buyer and haggling over price. Meanwhile, you can get on with the important business of running your business.
The best price possible – Online machinery auction houses have wide and varied contacts within many manufacturing sectors. This means the average auction is attended by several potential buyers – driving up final selling prices.
What are the risks of buying used machinery at auction?
The main risk of buying machinery at auction is that it isn’t in good working order once it arrives on your premises. In many cases, used metalworking and woodworking machines have come from cash-strapped business in trouble. These items of equipment may not have been maintained properly, which means the new owner may have to spend more money on essential repairs.
You can avoid buying substandard used machinery at auction by choosing a service with a proven track record of honesty and integrity. Buy your next machine from an online auctioneer that gives you an honest assessment of the machinery being sold. There should be a clear indication of whether or not the machine has been inspected. And if it has, there should be a description of its current condition. Also, choose an auction site that has a proven track record of delivering exceptional customer service. Reputable auctioneers that care about their customers will always try to carry out a full inspection if asked to do so.
Buy your used machinery from a trusted online auction site
You can slash your company’s capital expenditure by buying used machinery with Surplex. This experienced machinery online auctioneer specialises in a wide range of used equipment from some of the most respected manufacturers in the World. Offering complete transparency, competitive prices, and fast, reliable processing, Surplex provides affordable machinery solutions to both small and large businesses.
