Selling machinery can be a complex process, especially when you want to achieve the best possible value with minimal disruption to your business. For many UK companies, auctions offer a fast, transparent, and effective solution.
At Watts & Associates Auctioneers, we help businesses, contractors, and individuals sell machinery every day. This guide explains what you need to know about selling machinery at auction in the UK.
Why choose an auction to sell machinery?
Choosing to sell machinery at auction offers several key advantages over private sales or trade-ins.
Auctions provide access to a truly global audience of buyers and encourage competitive bidding, helping to achieve true market value.
The process is also fast and efficient, with clear auction timeframes to work to, with no lengthy negotiations, and full transparency.
Auctions usually sell the equipment from their yard, so you don’t have to have visitors to your own yard and spend your valuable time on several viewings/negotiations.
Much of the administration is handled by the auction company, such as transferring ownership, reducing the workload for you as the seller.
Whether you have a single machine or an entire fleet, auctions provide a structured and reliable sales channel.
Step 1: Consign your equipment
You will need to complete an entry form which includes your personal/company details, and details of what you would like to sell. This can be done by:
- Submitting an online form via our website (“Submit your equipment“)
- Emailing us the details to info@wattsauctions.co.uk
- Filling out a paper copy in the office on arrival
We will also require some proof of ID such as a Driving License or Passport.
Step 2: Prepare your machinery for sale
Presentation can have a real impact on final prices.
We recommend:
- Cleaning your machinery to a good standard
- Providing service records/documents/V5s wherever possible
Step 3: Arrange delivery to site
Deliveries are available during yard opening times:
Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Entries close around a week before the auction is due to start, but for clarification on any closing dates please contact the team on 01226 247591 or info@wattsauctions.co.uk
If you require assistance with transport, we work with several hauliers who can help. We also have a dedicated page on our website (“Transport“)
Step 4: Auction Day
Once the auction is live, bidders compete in real time, driving prices based on market demand.
If your machine has a reserve price, there may be occasions where a bid comes close but doesn’t quite meet it. In these cases, we may contact you during the auction to confirm if you would like to accept the offer. This is known as a “subject bid” (sold subject to vendor’s approval). Swift responses help secure the sale and reduce the risk of losing an interested buyer, so keeping your phone handy on auction day can make all the difference!
Once the auction concludes, you will receive an official post-auction report around a week after – but feel free to get in touch with us before this!
Step 5: Payment
Once your equipment has been successfully sold, buyers are invoiced promptly and you can expect to receive payment within 10-21 days of the auction closing, straight into your bank account.
Common Questions from Sellers
Will I get a fair price?
Auctions reflect true market demand. Competitive bidding often achieves higher results than expected.
What if my machinery doesn’t sell?
We have excellent clearance rates, but if your machine doesn’t sell first time round, it can usually be re-listed in the next scheduled auction.
Why sell with Watts & Associates?
- Excellent clearance rates
- Experienced Auctioneers who understand the market well
- Large registered global buyer base
- Friendly, personal approach
- Transparent process
- Strong marketing reach through our website, mailing lists, and social media platforms
Thinking of Selling Machinery?
If you are considering selling machinery or surplus equipment, our Auctioneers would be happy to provide a no-obligation valuation and/or advice.
Visit www.wattsauctions.co.uk or contact us to discuss further.
3 Barkston Road, Carlton Industrial Estate, Barnsley, S71 3HU (UK)
01226 247591