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As the weather warms up, many business owners start thinking about clearing space, selling equipment they no longer use, and upgrading to newer machinery. If you’re in fabrication, construction, or light manufacturing, there’s no better way to do that than by participating in—or hosting—an auction.

Whether it’s your first time bidding or you’ve been through the process before, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. At Backes Auctioneers, we’ve been helping people buy and sell equipment for over 45 years, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned.

Quick Navigation

Click to jump to a section:

• What is an Auction?
• Types of Auctions
• How to Participate in an Auction
• Tips for First-Time Bidders
• Why Choose Backes Auctioneers?

What is an Auction?

Let’s start with the basics: an auction is a public sale where goods or equipment are sold to the highest bidder. Auctions can be fast-paced, exciting, and—when done right—very rewarding for both sellers and buyers.

There are a few ways auctions can take place:

• In-person: Held on location or at a designated auction site with a live auctioneer.
• Online: Bidders place bids through a secure website from anywhere in the country.
• Simulcast: A combination of both, allowing bidders to participate in real-time either online or in person.

At Backes, we specialize in equipment auctions—including machinery used in construction, fabrication, body shops, and agriculture.

Types of Auctions

Here’s a closer look at the three auction formats we offer at Backes:

In-Person Auctions

These traditional events are lively and engaging. You place your bids in real-time while standing alongside other bidders. Our experienced auctioneers keep the pace moving while calling out bids and managing the sale.

Online Auctions

Prefer to bid from the comfort of your office or home? Online auctions let you participate without being on-site. With photos, descriptions, and clear bidding windows, online auctions offer a convenient and efficient way to get involved.

Simulcast Auctions

Get the best of both worlds. Simulcast auctions allow you to join an in-person auction remotely. Whether you’re five miles away or five states away, you can bid in real-time with other participants.

How to Participate in an Auction

Step 1: Register to Bid

Before you can participate, you’ll need to register. This helps us verify bidders and keep the process secure and transparent.

Step 2: Preview the Equipment

Many of our auctions include an inspection period. We strongly recommend taking advantage of this to assess the condition and value of the items you’re interested in.

Step 3: Place Your Bids

Whether you’re in-person or online, be prepared to bid strategically. Stay focused, know your budget, and keep an eye on the auctioneer or online bidding screen.

Step 4: Complete Your Purchase

Congratulations! If you’re the highest bidder, the next step is completing payment and arranging pickup or delivery. We’ll help make that part smooth and simple.

Tips for First-Time Bidders

Not sure where to start? Here are a few expert tips from the team at Backes Auctioneers:

• Attend a preview: Seeing equipment up close gives you a better sense of its value and usability.
• Ask questions: Our team is happy to provide more details on auction items or the process itself.
• Start small: Begin by bidding on lower-cost items to build confidence before going after big-ticket equipment.
• Observe before bidding: Watching a few auctions without participating is a great way to learn how they work.
• Stick to your budget: Auctions can be thrilling—just don’t let the excitement push you beyond your limits.

Why Choose Backes Auctioneers?

We’ve been Midwest auction leaders for over four decades, working closely with businesses of all sizes to help them sell equipment and get top value.

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Trusted by contractors, fabricators, rental companies, and farmers
• Deep experience in machinery, tools, vehicles, and commercial equipment
• Flexible auction formats—online, in-person, or simulcast
• Friendly service with industry expertise

From the moment you register to the moment you win—or sell—we’re here to make the auction process clear, efficient, and profitable.

Looking to Buy or Sell Equipment?

Now that you know how auctions work, you’re ready to dive in. Whether you’re shopping for quality used equipment or looking to liquidate assets, Backes Auctioneers is here to help you every step of the way.

• Call us today at (800) 876-8070
• Browse upcoming auctions at Backes Auctioneers

Happy bidding—and welcome to the Backes Auctioneers community!