Machinery Consignment
Consignment gives the right machine time to find the right buyer.
Sterling can market selected industrial machinery to qualified buyers while the seller retains ownership until a completed sale under a written consignment agreement.
What you should know
- Targeted machinery-buyer marketing
- Photos, specifications and actual-machine video
- Buyer questions and demonstration support
- Written price, commission and removal terms
Direct answer
Machinery consignment means the seller authorizes Sterling to market and sell identified equipment under a written agreement. The agreement should define term, asking price or approval authority, commission, marketing, location, access, condition, insurance, payment, release and what happens if the machine does not sell.
When consignment may make sense
Specialty
The buyer pool is narrow
A specialized machine may need targeted outreach and time rather than a single auction close.
Operation
The machine can remain under power
Keeping a machine accessible for demonstration may improve buyer confidence while the seller continues limited use.
Price
The seller wants market exposure
Consignment can pursue a planned asking price, subject to demand, condition and the agreed authority to negotiate.
Support
The seller wants help managing buyers
Sterling can handle marketing, inquiries, qualification, demonstrations, documentation and sale coordination.
The written agreement should answer these questions
- Which exact machines, serial numbers, tooling and accessories are consigned?
- Is the agreement exclusive, and for how long?
- Who sets or approves the asking price and final sale price?
- What commission, marketing, repair, storage, transport or other charges apply?
- Where will the machine be located, and who provides access, power and demonstrations?
- Who bears risk of loss, maintains insurance and reports changes in condition?
- Who collects payment, clears title and authorizes release?
- What happens at expiration, after a rejected offer or if a buyer introduced during the term purchases later?
A professional consignment process
- Evaluate the machine and market. Confirm identity, capacity, condition, location, demand and realistic price positioning.
- Sign a specific agreement. Identify assets and responsibilities before advertising begins.
- Create the listing. Use accurate specifications, strong actual photos, video and a clear list of included accessories.
- Manage inquiries. Qualify buyers, answer questions and schedule demonstrations or inspections as agreed.
- Negotiate and document. Obtain seller approval when required, collect verified funds and issue release instructions.
- Coordinate removal. Confirm rigger, insurance, appointment, disconnect and loading responsibility.
Consignment is not a magic shelf
A machine priced far above the active market can sit while condition, technology and buyer demand move around it. A machine that becomes inaccessible, loses tooling or is disconnected without notice also becomes harder to sell.
Successful consignment requires honest condition information, competitive positioning, timely buyer access and communication when anything changes.
Related auction resources
Use these pages to continue without starting over.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the machine during consignment?
The seller generally retains ownership until a completed sale, subject to the written agreement. Title, liens and authority must be clear.
Can the machine stay at my facility?
Often yes. The agreement should define access, power, demonstrations, insurance, changes in condition and removal responsibility.
Can I continue using a consigned machine?
Possibly, if the agreement allows it. Material changes in hours, condition, tooling or availability must be disclosed.
Is there a guaranteed sale date?
No. Consignment depends on buyer demand and acceptable terms. If a fixed deadline is essential, auction or direct purchase may deserve stronger consideration.
How is consignment different from an auction?
Consignment typically markets the machine over a negotiated term and price process. An auction creates a defined competitive bidding schedule and sale-specific rules.
Ready to review your machinery sale?
Request a free machinery evaluation before choosing auction, cash purchase, consignment, private sale, competitive bidding, ongoing surplus sale or complete liquidation.
