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As the final quarter of the year unfolds, businesses across Iowa and the Midwest are reviewing their financials and preparing for tax season. For many, this is a critical time to make decisions that can influence profitability, tax obligations, and operational efficiency heading into the new year. One strategy that’s often overlooked? Liquidating unused equipment and assets before December 31. Whether it’s restaurant equipment sitting idle, surplus inventory taking up valuable space, Read More

Tags: Year-end Liquidation

If you’re in the metalworking industry and considering selling equipment like CNC machines, welders, lathes, or presses, proper prep is key. Whether you’re upgrading equipment, downsizing, or closing a shop, investing a little time upfront can lead to better bids and a faster sale. At Backes Auctioneers, we’ve worked with countless metalworking shops all across Iowa and the Midwest. We know what buyers want, and what gets them to bid. This checklist walks you through five important Read More

Tags: auctions, CNC machines, Lathes, Machine Shop Auctions, Metalworking Auctions, Metalworking Equipment, Welders

Whether you're a seasoned bidder or a first-time seller, knowing what sells best at auctions can make all the difference. At Backes Auctioneers, we’ve seen clear trends emerge in 2025 that reveal which categories consistently attract competitive bidding and top-dollar returns. From industrial equipment to curated experiences, here’s a look at the most popular auction items this year — and why they’re in such high demand. 1. Auto Shop Equipment Auto body and repair Read More

Tags: auctions, Auto shop equipment, collectibles, construction equipment, food service equipment, restaurant equipment, Vintage auctions

When it comes to auto repair auctions, certain pieces of equipment consistently draw the highest bids — and for good reason. Paint booths, vehicle lifts, and frame machines are the backbone of any professional auto body shop, and buyers know their value. At Backes Auctioneers, we’ve seen firsthand how these high-demand items can transform an auction from routine to record-breaking. Why These Tools Command Top Dollar Paint Booths: Precision Meets Profitability Professional paint Read More

Tags: Auto shop equipment, Automotive auctions, Frame machines, Paint booths, Vehicle lifts

At Backes Auctioneers, we know that no two businesses are alike—and neither are their equipment needs. Whether you run a restaurant, farm, repair shop, or factory, you rely on equipment to keep things moving. And when it’s time to upgrade, downsize, or shut things down, you need a trusted way to sell what you no longer use. That’s where we come in. For more than 45 years, we’ve helped businesses across the Midwest turn extra equipment into cash, and helped buyers find the Read More

Tags: auctions, construction equipment, farm equipment, food service equipment, Industrial machinery, manufacturing machinery, real estate auction

Whether you’re gearing up for your first auction or simply curious about how bidders behave, this guide breaks down five common missteps that both first-time bidders and smart sellers should know about. Think of it as a helpful map to make your auction experience, either placing a bid or hosting one, smooth, fair, and profitable. At Backes Auctioneers, we’re right here in the Midwest, working side by side with both buyers and sellers in fabrication, construction, farm, and food service Read More

Tags: auctions, bidding, guide, tips

Whether you're a restaurant owner looking to liquidate assets or a savvy buyer hunting for high-quality equipment at a fraction of the retail price, commercial kitchen auctions are a goldmine. At Backes Auctioneers, we’ve seen firsthand which items consistently attract attention and competitive bidding. Here are the 10 most in-demand commercial kitchen equipment items that buyers are actively seeking at auction. Why This Matters for Sellers If you're considering selling your Read More

Tags: auctions, Commercial kitchen equipment, food service equipment, restaurant equipment auctions

Industrial machinery is the backbone of countless operations, from machine shops and manufacturing plants to restaurants and auto repair businesses. But like any asset, machinery has a lifecycle. Knowing when to sell can mean the difference between maximizing resale value and holding onto depreciating equipment. At Backes Auctioneers, we help businesses make smart, strategic decisions about when and how to sell their machinery for the best return. Understanding the Machinery Lifecycle Every Read More

Tags: auctions, CNC machines, Fabrication Equipment, Industrial machinery

When it comes to trusted auction services in the Midwest, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a name that carries more weight and has a better reputation than Backes Auctioneers. With 49 years of experience, our family-owned and -operated company has built a legacy that is rooted in integrity, professionalism, and above all else… results! Whether you need to liquidate commercial assets, sell off some industrial equipment that’s been collecting dust, or have a real estate appraisal Read More

Tags: about us, auctioneer, experience, history, midwest

Whether you're closing a restaurant, upgrading your kitchen, or liquidating surplus inventory, selling used restaurant equipment can be a daunting task. The good news? With the right strategy — and the right auction partner — you can maximize your return and move your equipment quickly and efficiently. At Backes Auctioneers, we’ve helped thousands of sellers across the country turn their used restaurant equipment into cash. Here’s how to get the best return when it’s Read More

Tags: auction, restaurant, roi, selling