Planning demonstrations of equipment before sale
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Ask what the proposed demonstration is intended to establish before agreeing to operate equipment. Then have the responsible competent people decide whether it can be done, under what arrangements and by whom.
A buyer's confidence or familiarity with similar equipment is not a substitute for the site's decision. Do not improvise a start-up, remove safeguards or expand the activity simply to satisfy an unexpected request.
Use a demonstration request form
| Field | What to agree |
|---|---|
| Asset | Exact sale ID and configuration |
| Question | The fact the buyer or sale team wants to observe |
| Proposed activity | Scope for competent review, not an operating instruction |
| Existing evidence | Relevant records, condition information and known faults |
| Responsible operator | Authorised competent person, subject to the site's arrangements |
| Site approval | Required assessment and permissions confirmed by the responsible people |
| Boundaries | What will not be demonstrated or concluded |
| Recording | Whether notes, photographs or video are agreed |
| Result | What was observed, date and any limitation or issue |
The form helps commission a decision. It is not a safety checklist that a seller can tick to authorise unfamiliar work.
Consider whether existing evidence answers the question
A buyer asking about the model configuration may need a document or photograph rather than a live operation. Use the least complicated suitable evidence route that answers the real question.
If operation or safety is uncertain, refer the matter through the safety-information register before promising a demonstration. For Great Britain, HSE's second-hand equipment guidance advises specialist help where sellers are unsure about complex machinery's operation or safety.
Keep the appointment controlled
Connect the agreed demonstration to the viewing schedule. Confirm the operator, records and time needed, and tell the visitor what has been approved. An ordinary viewing slot should not silently become a test session.
If the request arises during a valuation visit, explain the purpose to the valuer and the responsible site team. The evidence needed for valuation may differ from what a buyer asks to observe.
Describe only the result obtained
A successful observation of one function does not establish that every function works or that the equipment meets every applicable requirement. Record the scope and any conditions relevant to the result.
Use the demonstration-video brief if filming is agreed. The caption should match the activity and preserve limitations rather than turning a short clip into a broad performance claim.
Discuss demonstration requests with UK Auction Group before offering them in sale material. A clearly bounded arrangement is more useful than advertising equipment as available to test when the site has not agreed how that could happen.
Explore the sale preparation guides.
Sources
- UK Auction Group: asset disposal Checked
- HSE: second-hand products Checked
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.