Industrial Equipment and Business Liquidations - Best Practices - Pictures and Descriptions

Industrial Equipment and Business Liquidations: Description Best Practices

Objective:
Describe equipment usage, specifications, operational condition, and any wear or repairs to give buyers an accurate understanding.

Key Information to Include:

• Make, Model, Year, and Serial Number:
  Standard identification details for verification and ensuring the item’s authenticity.
• Specifications:
  Include details like dimensions, weight, capacity, voltage, and other technical specifications relevant to the buyer.
• Usage and Condition:
  Be clear about hours of use, any repairs or modifications, and how the equipment was used. Buyers expect transparency on the functional history of industrial equipment.
• Wear or Damage:
  Describe visible wear on moving parts, belts, blades, or other components. Mention if any repairs or maintenance is needed, and highlight any parts that are near the end of their useful life.
• Included Accessories:
  List any attachments, manuals, or additional accessories included in the sale, as these can add value and usability.

Transparency Tips:

• Use Clear, Technical Terms:
  Be as specific as possible, especially for technical equipment. Use industry-standard terms and avoid vague descriptions.
• Highlight Functional Status:
  State if the equipment is operational, partially functional, or requires repairs. Be explicit about any known issues.
• Be Explicit About Wear:
  Buyers of industrial equipment expect some wear; noting it accurately helps set proper expectations for the buyer and avoids misunderstandings.

Example Description:
Caterpillar 930 Wheel Loader, 2009, 9,850 hours
Specifications: Diesel engine, 149 HP, 9,400 lbs operating weight, 17.5 R25 tires.
Condition: Well-maintained and fully operational. New hydraulic hoses installed last year. Some wear on bucket and minor scuffs on cabin. Left headlight needs replacement.
Accessories: Includes spare tire, extra hydraulic hose, and operator’s manual. Cleaned and inspected regularly.

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Industrial Equipment and Business Liquidations: Picture Best Practices

Goal:
Show condition, functionality, and any potential wear on moving parts or surfaces. Capture scale and usability to give potential buyers a comprehensive view of the equipment.

Lighting:
Use even, bright lighting to reveal details and avoid shadows. For large equipment, portable LED lights can be helpful for illuminating harder-to-reach areas. Ensure all parts of the equipment are well-lit to highlight any wear, damage, or unique features.

Setup:
Clear space around the equipment to avoid distractions and to provide a full view. If the equipment has movable parts, capture it in both stationary and operational positions (if safe to do so). For larger items, ensure enough space is shown to convey the full scale of the item.

Key Angles & Shots:

• Full View:
  Photograph the entire piece of equipment from multiple angles (front, side, back). This provides buyers with a full perspective of the item’s condition.
• Control Panel:
  Get a close-up of all control panels, showing buttons, gauges, or screens to indicate functionality. This helps demonstrate how the equipment operates.
• Operational Parts:
  Photograph any moving parts or areas prone to wear (e.g., conveyor belts, wheels). Buyers will want to see areas that will likely experience the most wear during operation.
• Safety Labels and Manufacturer Plates:
  Include photos of all safety labels, warning signs, and manufacturer information plates for specs and safety information. These give potential buyers the full technical specifications and safety guidelines.

Detail Shots:

• Serial Number Plate:
  A close-up of the serial number for verification. This is critical for authenticity and tracking the equipment’s history.
• Power Source:
  Capture photos of power cables or gas hookups to indicate power requirements. This is essential for buyers to understand how to use the equipment upon receiving it.
• Damage or Wear:
  Highlight any visible wear on blades, hinges, wheels, or any other components. Transparency about the condition ensures there are no surprises for the buyer.

Common Mistakes:

• Insufficient Detail:
  Capture enough detail that a buyer can assess the condition remotely. Provide clear shots of any key areas, including worn parts, control panels, and serial numbers.
• Ignoring Scale:
  If the equipment is very large, include an object in the photo to give a sense of size. This helps buyers understand the scale and space required for the equipment.