Compare Options
Industrial Equipment Sale Options: Cash Purchase, Auction, Consignment & Advisory
Four proven paths. Each optimized for a different situation.
Managed Auction
Timeline
6–10 weeks
Recovery
Highest: competitive bidding across 500,000+ contacts
Certainty
Variable: market determines price
Upfront Cost
None
Commission
Negotiated per engagement
Best For
- ·Plant closures with 30+ day timeline
- ·Bankruptcy estates and 363 sales
- ·Lender/trustee appointments
- ·Large equipment lots (20+ items)
Cash Purchase
Timeline
Offer in 24–72 hrs · funds in 3–7 days · removal in 1–2 weeks
Recovery
Below market: certainty premium applies
Certainty
Guaranteed: we pay the agreed amount
Upfront Cost
None
Commission
N/A: we buy outright
Best For
- ·Urgent timelines (foreclosure, eviction)
- ·Single machine owners
- ·Situations where certainty > recovery
- ·Pre-bankruptcy situations needing fast liquidity
Consignment
Timeline
4–8 weeks
Recovery
Auction-driven: typically strong for in-demand equipment
Certainty
Variable: market determines price
Upfront Cost
None
Commission
Tailored per engagement
Best For
- ·Single machines or small lots (1–10 items)
- ·Corporate surplus cleanouts
- ·Equipment too good to scrap, too few for a dedicated auction
Quick Liquidation
Timeline
1–3 weeks
Recovery
Below managed auction: compressed marketing window
Certainty
Variable
Upfront Cost
Small setup fee possible depending on sale size, often absorbed into the sale
Commission
Negotiated per engagement
Best For
- ·Pre-move or lease-end equipment
- ·Smaller lots needing rapid disposal
- ·Situations where removal deadline drives decision
How our fees work: Sellers pay a negotiated commission on the hammer price. Buyers pay a separate buyer's premium on top of the hammer price. That's their cost, not yours. Fee structures depend on engagement size, equipment type, complexity, and seller involvement. No upfront fees on managed auctions. Quick Liquidation sales may carry a small setup fee depending on size, often absorbed into the sale. Every deal is different: ask us for a specific proposal.
Closing an entire facility? See full plant & asset liquidation ·Looking for our full service menu? See all services
Common Questions
Which sale option recovers the most money?
A managed auction consistently produces the highest gross recovery because competitive bidding across 500,000+ industry contacts drives prices to true market value. Cash purchase offers certainty at a discount to market. The right choice depends on your timeline and obligations.
What is a buyer's premium, and do I pay it?
No, the buyer's premium is paid by the buyer, not you. It's a percentage added on top of the hammer price and varies by auction. For example, if your machine sells for $10,000, the buyer pays the hammer price plus the applicable buyer's premium. You receive $10,000 minus your negotiated seller's commission. The two are entirely separate charges to two different parties.
Can I combine options: for example, sell some equipment at auction and get a cash offer on the rest?
Yes, hybrid arrangements are common. We regularly auction the main equipment lots while providing a cash offer for residual items (scrap, furniture, infrastructure). This maximizes overall recovery while ensuring complete facility clearance.
Is there a minimum value or quantity requirement?
For managed auctions, we typically require a facility with sufficient equipment value to justify the auction overhead. For consignment, individual items worth $1,000+ generally qualify. For cash purchase, we evaluate each situation individually, offers come within 24–72 hours subject to inspection, and if a direct purchase isn't the right fit, we may recommend a managed sale instead.
Every Deal Is Different.
Let's Talk About Yours.
Tell us what you have and where you are. We'll tell you honestly what it's worth and the best way to move it.
No commitment required · Completely confidential