So, you’ve just bought a new machine. Understandably, you’re not thinking about selling it right now. However, when day comes to find your machine a new owner, there are some things you can do to ensure you’re ready to close that successful sale. Drawing on our many years’ experience in used machinery sales, we’ve gathered some best practices to help you protect your investment.
You might have been there before or find yourself there now: You’ve finally decided to sell that one machine that’s been out of action for a while. But as you begin the sales journey, your inbox is suddenly flooded with requests from interested buyers for video evidence of the machine working. They’re also asking you for specification sheets and service history. Without these, the value of your machine is going to drop massively – that is, if you can even sell it at all.
To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together a list of things that you can do when you first purchase a machine, or for any machines you currently have on your site.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in:
- Proof of purchase. This is, of course, a good-to-have as it allows you to prove that the machine was purchased by you on the date you’ve provided.
- Manuals, manuals, manuals. Any document that comes with the machine should be kept. This includes user manuals, specification sheets, machine dimensions or floor plans.
- Have those productivity figures ready. This includes anything that can demonstrate the rate that the machine can work at or margins that can made with the products that pass through the machine.
- Service history & preventative maintenance schedules. This includes from both external companies that service the machines, as well as any internal checks you do. The value of these documents shouldn’t be underestimated. A well-kept and serviced machine holds a lot more value than one without. Preventative maintenance schedules are also highly welcomed on the list of things to safeguard.
- Have proof of replacement parts at hand. If you’ve invested in replacing parts for a machine, then make sure to show this to potential buyers. This will help reinforce that you’ve kept the machine in working order.
- Snap some high-quality photos of your machine. If your machine is in good light prior to storing it then make sure to take some photos. Remember to capture those different angles!
- Take a video of the machine in operation. This is perhaps the most important and highest requested item we receive at Machine Compare when selling used machines. Before your machine is either dismantled or moved to a warehouse for storage, take a video of it working or completing a task. The more videos the merrier!
- Cost of services to run the machine. This can include, for example, air pressure, any inks, etc. which will be needed to run the machine. Your future buyers will certainly thank you for this.
We’re here to help
If you’re currently looking at selling a used machine or have plans to do so in the future, we can talk you through what to prepare and how you can sell it on our auction. You can easily get in touch here.
You might also have spare parts for this machine that you’d like to sell. If so, our spare parts marketplace is a great option. You register for early access to the site and be one of the first to receive special deals and offers. It’s free. Sign up here.
