But e-auction sites are adopting strategies to make online bidders more comfortable and trusting. BigEquip, IronOx and other sites make equipment inspection services available. The event-oriented auction site is one of a handful claiming relative victory online. There have been some glitches. Ironplanet rectified the problem.
Some buyers say the process works well.
Excavator owner-operator Kevin Huntley of Bloomington, Ind., bid on three units during a recent Ironplanet auction and purchased one. He says online auctions save time. You don't have to take a day out to go to the auction. The delivered machine's condition matched its inspection report. Huntley fits the small to mid-size contractor profile typical of most online auction buyers.