Going Once, Going Twice… Online

Buying and selling used construction equipment has never been more accessible or more complex. Contractors today have more options than ever, from regional on-site auctions to global online platforms. For sellers, that means more ways to maximize returns. For buyers, it means a wider selection at their fingertips.

But navigating the process requires understanding how different auction companies operate and what tools they provide. Industry leaders like US Auctions, JJ Kane, Ritchie Bros. and bidadoo have each developed their own approaches to make the process easier, faster and more transparent.

Selling Made Simple

For many contractors, the biggest hurdle is figuring out how to offload idle equipment without getting bogged down in logistics. JJ Kane, which has been holding auctions for nearly 30 years, structures its process around simplicity. Sellers can consign equipment from their own yard or deliver it to one of JJ Kane’s nationwide locations. From there, the company handles marketing, detailed listings and timed online auctions that attract buyers across the country.

That emphasis on transparency has become a key part of the sales process. “We take pride in providing detailed and transparent listings, giving our buyers the confidence to bid knowing exactly what they’re purchasing,” the company notes. The goal is to give bidders enough information to act, even if they can’t see the item in person before auction day.

US Auctions, based in California, leans on decades of experience with public agencies and utility companies to move everything from construction equipment to fleet vehicles. One of the first firms in the West to simulcast on-site auctions online, the company now markets to more than 240,000 registered buyers worldwide. For sellers, that global reach means greater competition for their assets and potentially stronger prices.

Digital Tools Gain Ground

As more contractors turn to online platforms, auctioneers are adapting to meet new expectations. Ritchie Bros., one of the industry’s largest players, has rolled out a streamlined digital checkout process for buyers. After winning a bid, buyers can now instantly access invoices, manage tax information and choose flexible payment options,  including credit cards, bank transfers and financing.

The shift is not just about convenience for buyers. Sellers also benefit from Ritchie Bros.’ upgraded tools. A new “Seller Experience” dashboard provides real-time breakdowns of deductions, timelines and payouts, removing much of the guesswork that used to accompany consignment. For contractors looking to track sales across multiple pieces of equipment, the digital statements help simplify reporting and reduce delays in payment.

For companies like Rummel Construction in Arizona, that efficiency is key. Equipment Director Chase Hamilton said Ritchie Bros.’ timed auctions let him move equipment quickly without spending all day at an auction site. “All my pieces timed out and sold by noon on auction day,” he said. “It wasn’t an all-day ordeal.”

Online Marketplaces Expand Reach

Perhaps no company reflects the shift to online selling more than bidadoo, which runs weekly auctions through its long-standing partnership with eBay. With more than 150 million global buyers on the platform, bidadoo has built its business around reach and speed. According to the company, over 80% of the machines it sells are shipped out of state, underscoring the size of its buyer base.

That reach can be especially valuable for regional rental companies trying to cycle out older fleet assets. The recent partnership between bidadoo and Point of Rental, a rental management software provider, is designed to make that process seamless. The integration allows rental companies to list equipment directly through bidadoo’s platform, giving them immediate exposure to a national and international audience.

The economics of online auctions are also drawing attention. According to bidadoo, live auctions can carry higher transportation and buyer’s premium costs, sometimes cutting more than 20% from a seller’s return. By comparison, the online model can reduce those expenses while still connecting sellers with competitive bidders.

What Buyers Should Know

For buyers, auctions offer opportunities to secure equipment at market-driven prices, but the key is preparation. Online platforms like JJ Kane and bidadoo emphasize detailed photos, descriptions and inspection reports to help bidders make informed decisions without a site visit. 

Ritchie Bros.’ digital checkout tools further streamline record-keeping once the sale is made.

Still, buyers should approach each auction with a clear plan. Knowing what they need, what they can spend and how transportation or financing will factor into the final cost. Auctions move quickly, and confidence comes from doing the homework ahead of time.

A Market in Transition

The used equipment market is rapidly changing. What was once primarily an in-person business is now increasingly digital, with global bidders competing in real time. For sellers, that means new opportunities to maximize value with less friction. For buyers, it means more options and faster access to the machines they need.

Whether consigning a scraper in Arizona, selling a bucket truck from a utility fleet in the Midwest or searching for a dozer online, today’s contractors have tools that can make the process smoother than ever. The challenge, and the opportunity, is knowing which auction platform best fits their needs.