Selling a used machine well comes down to three things: a fair price, clear photos and an honest description. Buyers of machinery are usually experienced, so a listing that answers their questions up front brings serious enquiries and fewer wasted calls. This guide explains how to sell used machinery in the UK: pricing, preparation, photos, the advert and dealing with buyers.
Set a realistic price
- Look at similar machines for sale: the same make, model and age where possible. Sold listings on MachineFinder also show the price they were advertised at.
- Adjust for hours, condition, recent repairs and what is included, such as tooling, attachments or a recent service.
- State whether the price includes VAT. Trade buyers will expect to see “+ VAT” where it applies.
- “Price on request” suits specialist machinery and complete production lines, but a price usually brings more enquiries.
Prepare the machine
- Clean it. Buyers judge maintenance by appearance, and leaks and damage are easier to judge on a clean machine.
- Gather the paperwork: purchase invoice, service records, manuals, and any thorough examination reports for lifting equipment.
- Make sure guards and safety devices are fitted, and note the serial number and year from the machine plate.
- If the machine can run, be ready to show it running. A short video often settles a buyer’s doubts.
Take good photos
- Use daylight, and take the photos in landscape on a phone.
- Start with a clear photo of the whole machine. This is the picture shown in search results.
- Add photos of each side, the controls, the data plate, wear parts and any damage.
- For production machinery, show the working area, tooling and the control panel switched on.
Write an honest description
- Give the make, model, year and, where it applies, the hours and power supply.
- Say what the machine has been used for and why you are selling it.
- List what is included, and mention known faults. A buyer who finds an undisclosed fault on the day rarely buys.
- Say whether you can load the machine and whether delivery is available. The guide to transporting used machinery explains the options.
Deal with buyers safely
- Arrange viewings at your premises in working hours where possible.
- Do not release the machine until the payment has cleared in your account. Be wary of overpayments, requests to refund the difference, and buyers who will not view the machine but want to send a courier.
- Give a receipt showing the machine, its serial number, the price and both parties’ details.
- Once it has sold, mark the listing as sold so buyers stop contacting you.
Summary: how to sell used machinery
Price the machine against similar ones, clean it and gather the paperwork, photograph it in daylight with the whole machine first, describe it honestly including known faults, and release it only once payment has cleared.
Listing on MachineFinder is free, with no commission. Advertise a machine in a few minutes from your phone.
Used machinery for sale
Nothing listed right now. More used machinery will be listed as sellers join.