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A guide to buying plant and machinery from online auctions.
Guide
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Buyer's Guide: Plant and Machinery

Jess Gibson
Jess Gibson

When it comes to working with plant and machinery, the sheer size, power, and capability of the different vehicles and tools can be quite intimidating until you get used to them. Trying to purchase such items can be pretty overwhelming too with the big price tags usually attached to these goods, but thankfully, there is no need to commit to a huge financial burden of purchasing brand new.

So, whether you need to add an extra piece of machinery to your existing fleet, or you’re looking for that first big piece to help grow your business, online auctions offer a wealth of quality items to bid for and win at way easier to justify figures.

With this handy buyer’s guide up your sleeve, we’ve got all the important information you need to make shopping for plant and machinery a total breeze.

Choose a trustworthy source

Buying such a significant item means you want to be sure the transaction will be secure, especially when you’re not getting to view the goods in person. With William George your money is safe as we hold it for you until you verify that what you receive meets the description and is what you’re expecting. Explore our Trustpilot reviews if you want to put your mind at further ease.

Look out for the best brands

When it comes to plant, machinery, and commercial vehicles, you can’t go wrong with a name you know. Being held up to stringent standards and a place at the forefront of industry means that well-known brands come with quality guaranteed. 

You'll regularly find names including Caterpillar, JCB and Volvo in our plant and machinery auctions, which means that, whether you’re buying for work purposes or to help with a home DIY project, you should find something to fit the bill.

Ask plenty of questions

Even if you’re buying a vehicle or piece of equipment secondhand, you’re still parting with money, so it pays to find out as much as you can about the item before you bid on it. Most sellers will provide a comprehensive description of their lots, including any minor flaws or superficial blemishes – if there are any.

It’s always good to know how old the machinery is, how frequently it’s been used, and what level of maintenance has been conducted on the piece. Not only do you want to ensure you’re not wasting your cash, but you also want to be sure you’re buying something that’s safe to use.

If for any reason you can’t find the answer to your question, get in touch with us using our Live Chat function and we'll get you what you need.

Plan ahead

Before you make any decisions and start bidding for something that takes your fancy, work out how much money you have to part with, what it is that you need exactly – in terms of size, volume, function etc – and, if necessary, where you’re going to store the item.

With most plant and machinery, you’re going to want to find ways of protecting it from the elements and keeping it safe on site or at your home. This is useful as it helps to maintain the longevity of the vehicle or equipment, as well as keep it safe from theft and help you to obtain insurance – which is vital if it’s a pricey investment.

Always ask to see evidence of related documents

If you’re buying a commercial vehicle, it should come with documents to certify MOTs, taxation (if needed), important maintenance, services including things such as tyre and oil changes, and proof of purchase.

These documents are all essential and you should ensure that the seller has them before you agree to anything (where possible). Again, this comes down to safety and quality. If you want to avoid accidents and get your money's worth, it’s best to get a visual of these documents – most reputable sellers will include evidence of these documents in the description or accompanying images.

So, whether you’re dusting off your overalls to crack on with that home DIY project you’ve continually put off, or are looking for some high-quality, lower-cost machinery to fulfil bigger contracts and expand your business, William George hosts regular online auctions dedicated to the very items you need.

Take a look at our latest plant and machinery auction now to see what you could be bidding on today!