Equipment consignment is where a dealer sells your truck or machine on your behalf, handling the marketing, enquiries, inspections and paperwork, then takes an agreed commission or fee once it sells. It typically nets you more than a trade-in or quick auction because your gear is presented to the right buyers at a proper market price — without you fielding tyre-kickers. Here’s how the process works in Australia, and the practical steps to get the best result.
What consignment actually is
In a consignment sale, you keep ownership of the machine while the dealer markets and sells it for you, deducting their fee from the sale proceeds. You’re not selling to the dealer — they’re selling for you, using their buyer network, sales experience and trusted name to reach operators you’d struggle to find on your own. It sits between a private sale (most effort, most risk) and a trade-in or auction (least effort, usually least money).
How the process works, step by step
A typical heavy equipment consignment runs through valuation, agreement, presentation, marketing, sale and settlement. Knowing the stages helps you set expectations on timing and price.
- Valuation — the dealer assesses your machine’s make, model, hours/kilometres, condition and the current market to set a realistic asking price.
- Consignment agreement — you sign terms covering the fee/commission, the asking price, the timeframe and who handles costs like transport and detailing.
- Presentation — cleaning, minor tidy-ups and good photos; presentation has a real effect on the price buyers will pay.
- Marketing — the dealer lists the machine across their website and channels and works their buyer network.
- Enquiries and inspections — the dealer screens buyers, answers questions and manages inspections and test runs.
- Negotiation and sale — they negotiate on your behalf within the agreed range.
- Settlement — funds are collected, the fee is deducted, and the balance is paid to you, with paperwork and ownership transfer handled.
Consignment vs trade-in vs auction
Consignment usually returns more than a trade-in or auction, in exchange for a bit more time. A trade-in is fast and simple but the convenience comes at a price; an auction is quick but the hammer price can be unpredictable and fees apply. Consignment aims for a fair retail-style result while still taking the selling work off your plate.
| Method | Effort for you | Typical return | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private sale | High | Potentially high | Variable |
| Trade-in | Low | Lower | Fast |
| Auction | Low | Unpredictable | Fast |
| Consignment | Low | Strong | Moderate |
Use general expectations here rather than fixed figures — every machine and market is different.
What it costs
Consignment is usually charged as a commission (a percentage of the sale) or a fixed fee, agreed up front before anything is listed. There may also be costs for transport to the yard, detailing or minor repairs — clarify who pays for what in the agreement so there are no surprises at settlement. A good dealer will be transparent about the fee structure from the first conversation.
How to get the best price
The best consignment results come from realistic pricing, good presentation and complete records — the things that build buyer confidence. Buyers pay more for machines they can trust, and you make that easy by doing a few things well.
- Price to the market, not to your hopes. An over-priced machine sits and goes stale; a realistically priced one sells faster and often nets more after holding costs.
- Present it properly. Clean it, fix the small obvious faults, and make sure it starts and runs well for inspections.
- Bring your paperwork. Service history, logbooks, attachments and compliance plates all add value and reduce buyer hesitation.
- Be honest about condition. Disclosing known issues builds trust and avoids deals falling over late.
- Choose the right time. Demand for certain machines moves with seasons and projects — a dealer who knows the market can advise on timing.
- Pick a dealer with reach. The wider and more relevant the buyer network, the better your odds of a strong, quick sale.
Why use a specialist dealer
A specialist heavy-equipment dealer brings the buyer network, market knowledge and credibility that turn “for sale” into “sold” at a fair price. They screen out time-wasters, handle inspections and negotiation, and manage the paperwork and settlement so you can keep working. For trucks, machinery and trailers, that expertise is the difference between a slow private listing and a clean, well-priced sale.
Key takeaways
- Consignment = the dealer sells for you for an agreed fee, while you keep ownership until it sells.
- It usually beats trade-in or auction on price, in exchange for a little more time.
- Agree the fee, price, timeframe and costs up front so settlement holds no surprises.
- Realistic pricing, good presentation and full records get you the best result.
- A specialist dealer’s buyer network and credibility drive a faster, fairer sale.
Get a free valuation
Thinking about selling a truck, machine or trailer? Get a free valuation from MWTM Group and we’ll give you an honest read on price, timing and the best way to sell. See current consigned stock in our shop and machinery range, or call us on 02 6331 4331. We sell and deliver Australia-wide.
