How It Works
How the Industrial Auction Process Works: From Consultation to Settlement
Six stages. One team. Complete accountability from walkthrough to final check.
Consultation
Day 1–2A KD specialist visits your facility, or reviews photos and equipment lists remotely, to assess your assets, understand your timeline, and recommend the right sale strategy. No commitment required at this stage.
We assess: equipment condition and age, market demand for your asset types, your timeline and financial obligations, and whether a managed auction, cash purchase, or consignment is the best fit.
Asset Valuation (If Required)
Week 1Where a formal valuation is required (for lender reporting, bankruptcy proceedings, or internal decisions), KD arranges the right type of valuation for the situation. Many engagements proceed directly to cataloging without a formal appraisal.
We recommend the valuation approach that fits your situation and obligations: desktop, on-site, or no formal appraisal at all if the circumstances don't require one.
Cataloging & Photography
Week 2–3Our team photographs every lot, records serial numbers, documents condition, and writes compelling catalog descriptions. Professional presentation drives buyer confidence and higher bids.
We photograph from multiple angles, capture nameplates and control panels, and note any known issues accurately. Buyers trust KD's catalogs because we describe exactly what they'll receive.
Marketing & Buyer Outreach
Week 3–5We blast your listing across BidSpotter, targeted email campaigns, LinkedIn, industry trade publications, social media, and Google PPC, reaching our national database of registered industrial buyers segmented to match your equipment category.
We also post to our website, syndicate to auction aggregators (AuctionZip, Proxibid), and reach active buyers through our proprietary buyer database built over 30+ years.
Inspection Day
Week 5–6Registered buyers visit the facility to inspect equipment in person before bidding. This is standard practice for industrial auctions: it builds buyer confidence and drives higher final bids.
KD staff are onsite during inspection. Buyers can run machines where appropriate. We answer questions and provide additional documentation on request.
Auction Day & Settlement
Week 6–10Online timed auctions run for 2–5 days with auto-extend bidding. At close, buyers are invoiced immediately. Settlement to the seller typically occurs within 30 days of auction close after buyer collections.
We handle all buyer invoicing, payment collection, and removal coordination. You receive a full settlement statement showing every lot sold, the hammer price, buyer's premium, and net proceeds to you.
What Happens After the Sale
Payment & Removal
Buyer payments collected and verified before proceeds are released. We manage buyer access, schedule removal windows, and coordinate logistics.
Settlement & Documentation
Full itemized settlement report, every lot, every dollar. Net proceeds disbursed after final accounting with complete documentation for lenders, courts, or your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire auction process take?
A full managed auction runs 6–10 weeks from initial engagement to final settlement. For court-ordered or emergency timelines, we compress this significantly. For cash purchases, we make an offer within 24–72 hours (subject to inspection), funds typically follow 3–7 days after acceptance, and removal completes within 1–2 weeks.
Do I need to be present during the auction?
No, once we have access to the facility, KD handles everything. You don't need to be onsite during inspection days or the auction itself. We provide regular status updates throughout.
What happens to equipment that doesn't sell?
Unsold lots can be relisted in a subsequent auction, offered via private treaty to interested buyers, or removed at your direction. We discuss reserve strategies before the auction to minimize unsold items.
Can buyers remove equipment during the auction?
No, removal begins after the auction closes and all invoices are paid. We coordinate a removal window (typically 5–10 business days after close) and ensure organized, orderly pickup.
How is payment handled after the auction?
Buyers pay KD directly via wire transfer or credit card. After we collect all buyer payments (typically 7–10 days post-close), we issue your net settlement via ACH or wire within the agreed settlement period.
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