Services
Machine-tool auction — process, costs and when it fits.
Whether an auction is the right route for your machines depends on the inventory and the time frame. This page explains how a machine auction works, what it costs and when a direct purchase fits better.
Where MBR stands
For older or heavily used machines, an online auction is often the better route. If you want, we sell your machine ourselves in an auction: reserve price set together with you, commission stated upfront, payout within 5 working days after the auction payment arrives. The websitemachinetools.auction is in preparation: no lots are listed there yet and no bids are accepted. For business liquidations and machine pools we assess your inventory, buy it or sell machines through our buyer network. How that works is described underbusiness liquidation.
What a machine auction is, and is not
In a machine auction, machine tools are sold individually or in lots through a time-limited, open bidding process, usually online, with a minimum bid and a closing time. The price is set by competition between bidders, not by negotiation. Whether that yields more or less than a direct sale cannot be guaranteed in advance: the hammer price can fall short of expectations and individual lots can go unsold.
When an auction is worth considering
- Mixed machine pools: Where a site holds machines of different makers, years and configurations, many machines can be realised in parallel without negotiating each one.
- Proceedings that need traceable price discovery: Open bidding produces a documented price for every lot.
- Fixed clearance dates: The auction period gives a plannable frame, followed by payment and removal.
- Common machines with a broad buyer market: Where several bidders can be expected, competition can carry the price.
What a machine auction costs
The costs fall into three items and should be fixed before consigning, not afterwards:
- Buyer's premium: a percentage of the hammer price paid by the buyer. It lowers bids indirectly because bidders price it in.
- Consignor commission: the share of the hammer price the provider keeps from the seller.
- Incidental costs: inventory and photo documentation, viewing days, dismantling and loading, export documentation, borne by the consignor or the buyer depending on the agreement.
Rates differ by provider and inventory. Get them in writing and work with thenet proceeds after all costs, not the hammer price.
Auction or direct purchase: a factual comparison
| Criterion | Machine auction | Direct purchase by MBR |
|---|---|---|
| Time to payment | Auction period, then payment and removal | Non-binding first estimate, usually within 24 hours on working days; payment before collection |
| Price setting | Open bidding, outcome not guaranteed in advance | An offer after the machines are valued; you decide whether to accept |
| Fits | Mixed inventories, proceedings that need traceable price discovery | Whole machine pools in one transaction, single and special machines, fixed clearance dates |
| Risk | Hammer price below expectation, unsold lots | The price is fixed once the offer is accepted |
| Effort for you | Viewing days, handling per lot | One contract for the whole inventory |
How a machine auction usually runs
- Inventory and photo documentation on site: control type, spindle hours, base condition and special equipment of every machine.
- Lot formation and minimum bids: which machines are sold individually, which as a lot, and where the minimum bids sit.
- Marketing and viewing: the offer is published and interested buyers inspect the machines until the auction closes.
- Hammer, payment and removal: after closing, payment, handover and logistics follow.
Frequently asked
Does MBR run auctions itself?+
Yes, on request. For older or heavily used machines, an online auction is often the better route. If you want, we sell your machine ourselves in an auction: reserve price set together with you, commission stated upfront, payout within 5 working days after the auction payment arrives. The machinetools.auction website is still in preparation: no lots are listed there yet.
Who is an auction generally suitable for?+
Mainly mixed inventories where several bidders can be expected, and proceedings where traceable price discovery is needed. For high-value single machines a targeted sale can achieve a better price. There is no guarantee in either direction.
What does a machine auction cost?+
Typically a buyer's premium, a consignor commission and incidental costs for inventory, viewing and removal. Rates differ by provider and inventory. Get them in writing before consigning and compare the net proceeds after all costs.