Find the real-world value of one machine or a complete facility.
Sterling Machinery Exchange helps owners, banks, schools, estates, attorneys, trustees, manufacturers, and asset managers review what machinery may be worth before deciding whether to sell, consign, auction, liquidate, trade, or hold.
Start with value. Then choose the sale method.
- Real-world machinery value review before sale
- Cash purchase, consignment, private sale or auction review
- Online auction, liquidation and buyer marketing support
- Inspection, rigging, trucking and removal coordination
- Nationwide service with strong California and West Coast focus
- Worldwide buyer network
More than an auction company.
Sterling Machinery Exchange helps owners, banks, schools, estates, attorneys, trustees, manufacturers, and asset managers review what machinery may be worth before deciding whether to sell, consign, auction, liquidate, trade, or hold.
Sterling reviews the equipment, market demand, condition, timing, location, removal requirements and buyer audience before recommending auction, consignment, private sale, cash purchase, or complete liquidation. The gavel is a tool, not the whole toolbox.
Services for this situation.
Equipment Valuation
Review fair market value, auction value, orderly liquidation value, forced liquidation value, sell-now value and buyer demand.
Learn more →Online Auction Review
Create urgency and competitive bidding when auction is the strongest path for the equipment and timeline.
Learn more →Cash Purchase Review
For selected machines or facilities, Sterling may review a direct purchase or hybrid buyout plan.
Learn more →Consignment Sales
Market machinery from the seller facility or Sterling’s Southern California showroom when targeted selling makes sense.
Learn more →Private or Restricted Sale
Offer assets to selected buyers, approved suppliers, OEM networks or qualified end users when confidentiality matters.
Learn more →Complete Liquidation
Help sell one machine, a department, production line, shop, or full facility.
Learn more →Asset Recovery
Support lenders, trustees, estates, schools, corporations and business owners with recovery planning.
Learn more →Rigging & Trucking
Coordinate machinery movers, forklifts, cranes, trucking, loading and removal deadlines.
Learn more →Possible selling paths.
Equipment and assets we help sell.
Sterling helps review and market the machinery, tooling and support equipment that drive value.
Brands, categories and buyer demand.
Accurate brand, model, option and condition details help buyers move with confidence.
How the process starts.
Send details
Photos, machine list, nameplates, location, condition, power status and timeline.
Review value
We review market demand, likely value, sale method, removal costs and buyer groups.
Choose path
Cash purchase, consignment, private sale, restricted sale, auction or liquidation.
Market buyers
Photos, videos, emails, direct outreach, catalogues, inspections and targeted marketing.
Close & remove
Payment, buyer questions, rigging, trucking, loading and removal timing.
What to send for review.
Good information helps Sterling move fast.
For one machine:
- Full machine photos
- Manufacturer tag, model and serial number
- Control, hours, options, tooling and accessories
- Power status, condition, known issues and location
For a shop or plant:
- Rough inventory or machine list
- Photos of major machines and support areas
- Facility address, access notes and removal deadline
- Tooling, forklifts, racking, inventory and support equipment
Related machinery appraisal resources.
Use the main appraisal hub or continue to the page that best matches why you need the machinery value.
Machinery Appraisals & Equipment Valuation
Compare machinery valuation services, value types, sale-planning options, and the information Sterling needs to begin a review.
Open the appraisal hub →Fair Market Value vs. Liquidation Value
Learn why the same machine may have different values depending on timing, exposure, sale conditions, and the intended use of the valuation.
Compare machinery value types →Equipment Appraisal for SBA Loans
Review machinery information commonly requested when equipment value is part of an SBA loan or collateral discussion.
Review SBA appraisal information →Equipment Appraisal for Insurance
Organize machinery records and value considerations for insurance coverage, claims preparation, and equipment planning.
Review insurance appraisal information →Equipment Appraisal for Estate Planning
Prepare machinery information for estates, succession planning, ownership transitions, and coordinated asset sales.
Review estate appraisal information →Machinery Auctions & Liquidations Nationwide
After reviewing value, compare cash purchase, consignment, private sale, online auction, and complete liquidation options.
Review machinery selling options →
Current lots and brochures live on Sterling Machinery Auctions.
This Sterling page explains strategy, services and selling options. SterlingMachineryAuctions.com carries active lot lists, photos, brochures, terms and bidding information.
Machine value FAQ
What affects the value of a used machine?
Brand, model, age, condition, hours, options, tooling, control, service history, location, power status, removal cost, and current buyer demand can all affect value.
Is auction value the same as fair market value?
No. Auction value, fair market value, orderly liquidation value, forced liquidation value, and sell-now value can be different depending on timing and sale method.
Can Sterling value one machine?
Yes. Sterling can review one machine or an entire facility.
What photos should I send?
Send full machine photos, nameplate, control, options, tooling, accessories, serial number, condition notes, and location.
Can Sterling make a cash offer?
For selected machines and facilities, Sterling may review a direct cash purchase option.
Ready to find out what your machine may be worth?
Send the photos, machine list, location and timeline. Sterling will help determine whether cash purchase, consignment, private sale, online auction or complete liquidation is the best route.
Tell Us About the Machine You Want Valued
Send the machine details, photos, location, condition, and timeline. Sterling will review the information and help you understand the most practical value and selling options.