Food Machinery Auctions: The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Buying used food machinery at auction is a smart way to save money and access high-quality equipment - but it’s not without risks. Even experienced bidders can fall into common traps that turn great opportunities into costly missteps.

At Auction News, with over 65 years of experience in the auction industry, we’ve seen what separates successful bidders from those who regret their purchases. Here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid when buying at food machinery auctions.

1. Failing to Inspect Equipment Thoroughly

Photos and descriptions are helpful, but nothing beats a proper inspection. Food machinery is often complex and wear and tear might not be visible in a listing. If a physical inspection isn’t possible, request a video walkthrough, additional images or ask specific questions about service history and working condition.

2. Not Setting a Clear Budget (Including Hidden Costs)

The winning bid is rarely the final cost. Don’t forget about buyer’s premiums, VAT, transport and any necessary refurbishments. Set a realistic budget that covers all potential extras to avoid surprises - and check out our guide to auction fees and commissions to help you plan with confidence.

3. Overlooking Legal Compliance

Food-grade equipment must meet stringent hygiene, safety and regulatory standards. Buying non-compliant machinery could leave you with unusable assets. Always check the necessary local or sector-specific legal requirements before placing a bid.

4. Assuming Utility Compatibility

Voltage, gas fitting and water pressure requirements can differ between countries or industries. Ensure the machinery is compatible with your facility’s infrastructure or factor in modification costs.

5. Ignoring Cleaning and Decontamination Needs

Idle equipment may require deep cleaning or decontamination, especially in the food industry. Ask how the item was stored and whether any cleaning or pest control measures were taken. This could affect both budget and timelines.

6. Neglecting Spare Parts Availability

Some machinery, especially imported or older models, may have limited access to spare parts. Before bidding, check whether the manufacturer still supports the model and if parts are readily available.

7. Misjudging Scale and Weight

Food machinery is often large and heavy, requiring specialist removal equipment and transport planning. Always check the dimensions, weight and removal requirements to avoid last-minute surprises.

8. Not Clarifying Removal Deadlines

Each auctioneer has specific collection windows - and missing them can lead to penalties or forfeited purchases. Confirm the deadline and ensure you have the necessary resources to collect on time.

9. Forgetting Buyer’s Premium and VAT

These are easy to overlook but can add 20% or more to your final cost. Always read the auction terms carefully and include both the buyer’s premium and VAT in your total bid budget.

10. Overlooking Specialist Installation Requirements

Many food production machines require qualified technicians for proper installation. Factor in these costs upfront, especially for machinery like ovens, vacuum fillers, or high-speed packaging lines.

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