When looking to sell your used equipment, there is a vast array of options that you can choose to follow. You can decide to do yourself, sell through auctions, used machine dealers or machinery brokers. Whatever the case, your end goal is to achieve the highest possible value for your used machine within the shortest time possible. In simplest terms machinery brokering is simply selling your equipment while you maintain it under power and in operation in your facility. While every method has pros and cons, leveraging the services of a used machinery broker has proven to be one of the best ways to sell industrial machinery and maintain the top return on your investment. 

What is a Machinery Broker?

The word broker refers to an individual or entity that buys or sells for a principal on a commission basis though it doesn’t have the title to the item or property. In that sense, a used machinery broker is the agent that facilitates the transaction between individuals or companies looking to sell and those willing to purchase industrial machinery. Equipment brokers leverage their long-term accrued experience and relationships to negotiate to find the right buyer, or machinery. They provide a service that supersedes the physical product at their disposal as their years of industry relations and contacts bring them within reach of thousands of ready buyers..

What Do Machinery Brokers Do?

Used equipment brokers are not only involved in selling a machine, but they are also responsible for many other things. For starters, they facilitate inspections to document the necessary details about your piece of equipment. They also take care of everything from marketing to handling other financial obligations such as shipping, financing and fund transfer.  They oversee the negotiations on your behalf and ensure that the sale is concluded in the shortest time possible. The handle the proper dismantling and rigging of the machinery allowing for a stress free equipment removal for you, the seller. When dealing with a machinery broker, sellers can continue their daily operations and trust that the brokers will do the heavy lifting and involve you only when necessary.

What to Look for in a Machinery Broker

Although finding a used machine broker is not an easy task, few things can help you arrive at the best decision.

  • Experience

Before you decide to use a broker, you need to understand if they have the required expertise to negotiate on your behalf. You also need to check how long they have been in business and if they have handled customers of your calibre before. Make sure they are familiar with the type of equipment you are selling. Brokers that have been around for long can bring on board the right expertise, and have established formidable connections with a lot of people and companies that can make the sale move faster.

  • Accessibility

Another critical consideration is convenience. How easy is it to reach out to the used machine broker when you need them? Do they have a dedicated line that you can reach them at any time? Do they have a website or online presence? And can you speak to them in person when necessary? Getting your concerns resolved quickly is a major advantage when dealing with a machinery broker. 

  • Credibility

You also need to ensure that the used machinery broker you choose is trustworthy and reliable. You can gauge a broker's credibility by looking at their successes and achievements, their reputation among other service providers, and their ability to supply you with references. Further membership in associations like the MDNA and others provide a level of comfort knowing that they take price and invest more than just their time in their  field of expertise.

  • Knowledge 

A used machine broker will only be right for you if they have the skills and knowledge to sell your kind of machine. If you're selling a piece of Fabricating Machinery that your proposed broker is not familiar with chances are he doesn't have the contacts, relationship and knowledge to move it in a smooth and trouble free transaction. Before signing a used machine sale agreement, you should seek to understand whether the brokerage agency or company has agents that are well trained to inspect, value, and negotiate on your behalf. 

Turn to a Machinery Broker You Can Trust: SFMS!

Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc is not only a stocking dealer of used machinery but SFMS is a uniquely qualified broker as well. Team SFMS has the knowledge and skills to take over your equipment sale needs. With decades of experience under the belt, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch services to our esteemed customers. We understand how much you value your time, and that is why we strive to take out the hassles of selling a used machine from your plate and let you concentrate on your mission-centric tasks. Whether you’re selling a press brake, a waterjet machine, or a sheet metal folding machine, or just about any other kind of manufacturing machinery, you can trust that SFMS can get you the highest price with the smoothest transaction possible. 

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