I need help to get ready for auction

[MN cowgirl]

As my husband passed away last month, my children and I are faced with getting ready for a machinery auction.   The auctioneer said that there is a product by 3M that comes in a white bottle and costs about $40, that we could use to shine up the machinery....Does anyone know what this is called?   He coudln't remember.

also, any other tips would be helpful.  thank you.

[rightone]

Worthington Ag Parts, Worthington MN.

888-845-8456

http://www.worthingtonagparts.com/low/default.aspx

My advice?  Perhaps hire some help and farm on.

OR  cut back on machinery and change to grazing...say stock cows raising calves, grow some out perhaps sell Your own brand beef since MN happens to be about the best spot on earth to market that etc.

Reason to go with livestock, is LOW machinery investment, Low fuel and almost no other per acre expenses thus higher optimum returns per acre.

[dirtfarmer63]

First off boot the auctioneer. You should be able to find and auction service who handles all that for you. If not the actual labor then hiring some part time assistance to wash and line up the equipment.

[machinery pete · Accepted solution]

Yes, getting equipment cleaned up is important, but more important is pulling together as detailed records as you can assemble that your husband kept on the machinery.......the more detailed info you can provide for folks prior to the auction and also on sale day, the better. You may want to speak with the dealership where your husband had the equipment serviced, see what service records they can provide, etc. I'd suggest having someone from the family there & available on auction day to talk about the equipment, how it was cared for, etc.

You should also be very interested in how the auctioneer plans to advertise your sale. How will the internet be used? Have them send me a sale bill and we'll be sure to get the equipment listed in the "upcoming auctions" database in our web site....hopefully we can help spread the word for you 🙂

Timing of the auction another angle you may want to consider. Last 3 years I've noticed auction prices have run HIGHER on sales held from mid November - mid December (year end TAX BUYERS hungry for deductions). I'd try to stay away from holding your sale from March 10th - end of April.....tend to be more sales this time of year, buyers get spread out, folks who bought from November - February now out of the game.

Any other questions, feel free to give me a buzz.

Pete

www.machinerypete.com

[behog]

I am advising you to be careful with this Auction company.  I dont know who they are but it does not seem that they are putting much into getting the auction ready.  I have seen some very poorly managed auctions that where hardly advertised where the owner got little for his equipment.    I have even seen auctions where the shady Auction company did not fully disclose what the equipment brought.  Be carelful.  Make sure you advertise well.  The internet is a must for adverstising nowdays.