Buying equipment and generators at auction can be a smart way to get quality gear at a fair price, but it works best when you do a little homework first. Read the item description and photos closely, know the pickup details before you bid, and set a top number you're comfortable with. Do those three things and you'll bid with confidence, whether it's a generator, a compressor, or a piece of construction equipment.
What should I check before I bid on equipment?
Start with the description and photos. We try to give you a clear look at each item, including make, model, condition, and anything worth noting. With generators and construction equipment, pay attention to hours if they're listed, whether the item was tested or running, and any damage or missing parts. If a generator hasn't been started in a while, that's good to know going in.
Look at the photos the way you'd look at the machine in person. Check the tires, hoses, cords, and any rust or wear. If something isn't clear, our FAQ page covers a lot of common questions, and you can always reach out before the auction closes. We'd rather answer a question now than have you guess.
It also helps to know what a fair price looks like. Do a quick search on the same or similar equipment so your top bid reflects real value, not just the moment.
How does bidding work, and how do I set my top number?
Our auctions run online through HiBid, so you can bid from home right up until the item closes. The simplest approach is to set your maximum bid, the most you're willing to pay. The system bids for you in small steps and only goes as high as it needs to, so you don't have to sit and watch the clock.
Some folks worry about handing over their top number. If that's you, our note on why we ask for your maximum bid explains how it works and why it usually saves you money instead of costing you more. You can also just bid manually if you prefer to stay hands-on.
Heavy items tend to draw serious bidders, so decide your limit ahead of time. It's easy to get caught up in the last few minutes, and a number you set with a clear head keeps you honest with yourself.
What about picking up a generator or heavy equipment after I win?
This is the part people forget until they've won. Construction equipment, big generators, and shop machines are heavy, and you'll need a plan to get them home. Think about whether you have a trailer, a truck with enough capacity, and a way to load safely.
We give extended pickup times and offer loading help, which makes a real difference on the heavy stuff. Before you bid, it's worth reading through what pickup and shipping really look like so there are no surprises. Small items can often ship, but large equipment is almost always local pickup, since freight on a generator or a piece of iron gets expensive fast. If you're wondering about a specific item, our note on shipping costs when you win is a good starting point.
If you want to see what's coming up, you can browse our current auctions on our HiBid page any time. And if you've got equipment sitting around that you'd rather sell than store, take a look at selling with us. We're based near Hermosa and glad to help folks across the Black Hills buy and sell the right way.