"Where Do You Buy Used Equipment?"

Our latest reader poll, "Where Do You Buy Used Equipment?" has closed with a very interesting result.  The purpose of the poll was to find out where a buyer is typically buying equipment, especially in the current economy.  Readers were given the option to vote for more than one category if they use several outlets when looking for equipment.  Some of the factors a customer takes into consideration when making a purchasing decision are undoubtedly at the root of the overwhelming favorite, "Rental Company Sales".  Would it be a certain comfort level that comes from being able to put a face to a name? Reliability or trustworthiness of the particular salesperson?  If a buyer's main concern is cost, what real value is there in buying from a rep at a local company? 

I'm sure many of the 71% of voters who told us rental company sales is their preferred method of buying used equipment would have different motivating factors.  Having an equipment background, I can say first hand that equipment values are at a low point not seen in recent memory.  The formula is simple; the dramatic decrease in new construction in the last few years means more equipment sitting on the rental yards.  The excess fleet not on rent equates to less revenue and a lower bottom line.  As a result, many companies are eager to sell their underachieving machines.  Many buyers, who can afford it, are buying up used equipment at incredible prices.

Although the current supply and demand equation most definitely influenced many of the voters' opinions, I feel there are other equally important reasons rental companies were named the preferred method of buying used equipment.  End users, especially, want to know the machine they are buying comes from a trusted source.  There is a certain degree of accountability involved in old-fashioned, face-to-face purchases.  The fact that a machine from a rental company has been maintenanced by certified and well-trained professionals working with stringent safety precautions would be a consideration.  Lastly, in most cases, a buyer can receive and review a complete service history on a specific unit from the company. 
Rental company salespeople must be aware of this trend.  Many are constantly seeking a reliable and inexpensive way to market their used sales to potential buyers.  That is one reason several local companies are listing their equipment on our site.  If you aren't one of them yet and would like to learn more about what SwapaTool.com can do for you, please let us know here. 

The rest of the results of the poll, "Where Do You Buy Used Equipment?" were interesting as well.  "Auctions" and "Brokers" with 42% and 28% respectively made a strong presence.  The lack of steady building and fewer bid opportunities is leaving some contractors with their own unused fleet problems.  Many of these contractors are turning to auctions for cash flow and to lower expenses by getting rid of their excess machines.  This trend is packing auction lots and creating advantageous buying opportunities for brokers and consumers alike.  "Dealers Sales" and "Online Sales" rounded at the bottom results while still gaining 14% of the votes each.  "Newspaper Classifieds" did not receive any votes.  Is this a sign any company with equipment to sell, as well as, service providers and suppliers should pay attention to?  We believe so at SwapaTool.com; that is why we are striving to embrace these trends and offer an inexpensive and relevant advertising medium to more effectively allow you to reach your potential customers.