Online Auctions
Digital Tools Gain Ground
As more crane companies turn to online platforms, auctioneers are adapting to meet new expectations. Ritchie Bros., one of the industry’ s largest players, has rolled out a streamlined digital checkout process for buyers. After winning a bid, buyers can now instantly access invoices, manage tax information and choose flexible payment options— including credit cards, bank transfers and financing.
The shift is not just about convenience for buyers. Sellers also benefit from Ritchie Bros.’ upgraded tools. A new“ Seller Experience” dashboard provides real-time breakdowns of deductions, timelines and payouts, removing much of the guesswork that used to accompany consignment. For contractors looking to track sales across multiple pieces of equipment, the digital statements help simplify reporting and reduce delays in payment.
For companies such as Rummel Construction in Arizona, that efficiency is key. Equipment Director Chase Hamilton said Ritchie Bros.’ timed auctions let him move equipment quickly without spending all day at an auction site.“ All my pieces timed out and sold by noon on auction day,” he said.“ It wasn’ t an all-day ordeal.”
Online Marketplaces Expand Reach
Perhaps no company reflects the shift to online selling more than bidadoo, which runs weekly auctions through its long-standing partnership with eBay. With more than 150 million global buyers on the platform, bidadoo has built its business around reach and speed. According to the company, more than 80 % of the machines it sells are shipped out of state, underscoring the size of its buyer base.
That reach can be especially valuable for crane rental companies looking to cycle out older fleet assets. Bidadoo’ s recent partnership with Point of Rental, a rental management software provider, is designed to make that process seamless. The integration allows rental companies to list cranes and attachments directly through bidadoo’ s platform, giving them immediate exposure to a national and international audience.
The economics of online auctions are also drawing attention. Bidadoo notes that live auctions can carry higher transportation and buyer’ s premium costs, sometimes cutting more than 20 % from a seller’ s return. By comparison, the online model can reduce those expenses while still connecting sellers with competitive bidders.
What Buyers Should Know
For buyers, auctions offer opportunities to secure cranes and lifting equipment at market-driven prices, but the key is preparation. Online platforms such as JJ Kane and bidadoo emphasize detailed photos, descriptions and inspection reports to help bidders make informed decisions without a site visit.
Ritchie Bros.’ digital checkout tools further streamline record-keeping once the sale is made.
Still, buyers should approach each auction with a clear plan. Knowing what they need, what they can spend and how transportation or financing will factor into the final cost. Auctions move quickly, and confidence comes from doing the homework ahead of time.
A Market in Transition
The used crane equipment market is rapidly changing. What was once primarily an in-person business is now increasingly digital, with global bidders competing in real time. For sellers, that means new opportunities to maximize value with less friction. For buyers, it means more options and faster access to the cranes they need.
Whether consigning a boom truck in Arizona, selling a rough-terrain crane from a rental fleet in the Midwest or searching for a crawler crane online, today’ s crane professionals have tools that can make the process smoother than ever. The challenge, and the opportunity, is knowing which auction platform best fits their needs.
www. cranehotline. com • November 2025 31