Buying Used Equipment From Pictures

Rarely does anyone decide to travel and inspect what they are considering for purchase. They want pictures, this can lead to serious deception. If the seller (broker or owner) sends you shots of then machine, ask them who took the pictures and when, or if they are even of the exact machine or a similar unit. When looking at these pictures study the background items (floor, shelves walls etc). It has been my experience that people will clean the machine up for the picture, but not the entire shop. The background areas are clues to to the type of shop the machine is coming from.

When I do an inspection to consider a purchase or contract for purchase, I have pretty good idea what is inside the building from what is outside the building eg: ratty cars, broken windows, knee high grass etc. This usually translates to crappy equipment on the inside. The background area of the photos can be used the same way for tip offs as to how the machine has been cared for during it's service life.

Some people are "neat freaks" that don't know the first thing about maintenance, these are the ones that can really hurt your bank account. I always recommend "in person" inspections, if you can't travel then send a qualified technician.

Used equipment is a great deal, a little effort when buying can payoff in a big way.