As demand for second-hand market grows businesses are encouraged to dust off unwanted equipment

With the increasing pressure on supply chains, and a continued rise in costs for new materials, buyers looking for second-hand goods are calling for more quality used items to come to the market.

A survey of customers conducted in July by circular economy specialist, Ramco, reveals electrical goods are the most popular type of item bought at their auctions with 32 per cent of respondents having purchased in recent months, followed by industrial goods at 25 per cent, which includes things like plant, machinery and hand tools.

The survey also found that it’s electrical goods which are topping the list of equipment that buyers want even more of too, along with vehicle spares.

Almost a third of respondents (27 per cent) said the impact of the pandemic, Brexit and other world events causing a price rise, shortages, and delays in shipping of new materials and products has increased their inclination to buy second-hand goods.

Neil Sanderson, Ramco’s Founder and Managing Director, said: “Our customers tell us buying second-hand equipment is a good way of saving money and getting items they otherwise couldn’t afford. For us, it’s about ending wastefulness and breathing new life into surplus assets.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of buyers registering for our auctions in recent years – a 200 per cent uplift on the pre-pandemic figures – so we know demand is there and it’s a great time for businesses to sell unwanted equipment.

“We work with government departments and businesses across all sectors and handle anything they no longer need – from commercial catering equipment, vehicles and generators, through to boats and cranes. We’ll collect, store, refurbish where necessary, market and sell, and then share the proceeds. It’s a simple model and means everyone benefits, but most of all the environment.”

Andrew McCausland, Director at Eco Homes Wirral, a company that specialise in retrofit energy saving measures, frequently purchases second-hand equipment for his business from Ramco auctions.

McCausland said: “We regularly buy pre-used and new machinery, tools and consumables from Ramco for our building business, often paying 30 per cent or less of the list price for these. These savings enable us to pitch our quotes at a more affordable price and offer our clients better value for money.

“As an Eco company we live by the mantra, ‘reuse, repair, repurposed, recycle’. Buying at auction ensures we meet our own environmental audit requirements as well as saving us on our bottom line.”