Valuating Used CNC Machines

Knowing the value of the second hand machinery you own can put you in a good position when the time comes to sell, as well as helping you out when seeking insurance quotes, as well as in a number of other scenarios.

As such, following is a quick overview of how to handle CNC machine valuation and what factors have an impact on resale value on the used market.

Check Market Prices
The fastest way to find out what your used CNC machinery might be worth is to head to an online marketplace, such as the one found on Revelation Machinery, to see the current asking prices of equipment of a similar age, feature set, and condition.

Of course some sellers will be asking too high a premium for their kit, while others might be massively undervaluing what they have to offer.

This is why it makes sense to carry out as much online research as possible to get a broad overview of the market to get a realistic estimate. Indeed, it is doubly important if you want to actually receive offers on your equipment; potential buyers may not even bother getting in touch if you have clearly not settled on a suitable valuation. Also consider broader economic conditions and levels of demand to avoid incorrect valuation.

Consider the Condition
If your CNC machine has been regularly maintained, repaired, and upgraded, it should be in pristine working order, no matter how old it is. So while age is certainly a factor that holds sway over its used value, condition is arguably far more relevant in this context.

Minimal amounts of wear and tear, as well as a lower total number of operating hours, will further improve the appeal and, thus, the price of any second-hand equipment. Conversely, if your machinery is getting long in the tooth and has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, you will need to reflect this in the asking price or no sellers will bite.

Aesthetics Matter
Even if your machine is well maintained and relatively new, if it looks dirty, it could struggle to achieve the upper levels of its objective valuation.

Simply cleaning up the superficial grime on a machine can make all the difference, even if it seems like such a small step to take. This could net you one of the biggest valuation increases compared with the amount of effort involved to achieve it, so it is definitely worthwhile.

Assess the Specs
Base level specifications and any upgrades and additions you have made to your CNC machinery over the course of ownership will play a part in determining its used valuation.

Different buyers will be looking for different things in a prospective purchase, so being upfront about the capabilities of your kit is the best policy. Whether it can machine titanium efficiently or perhaps prove effective with other materials and tasks, knowing the specifications is a must.

As a rule of thumb, newer machines with more bells and whistles onboard will be worth more than their older, less advanced counterparts. But as mentioned earlier, carrying out comparisons with other options on the market will give you a better idea of where your particular model lies on this spectrum.

Factor in Additional Costs
You might not realize it up front, but the value of a used CNC machine is tempered in part by the additional costs that will fall to the buyer if they decide to snap it up.

From dismantling and transporting the kit to reassembling it, storing it, maintaining it, and refurbishing it if necessary—all of these extras can add up.

At the end of the day, if you want to sell a used machine quickly, you should aim to set a competitive price and always be honest with buyers.