According to the Associated General Contractors of America, the cost of materials and services used in construction rose faster than the price of completed buildings. Officials from the association have warned that the price of infrastructure could rise from the use of imported materials. With values dropping, purchasing equipment via auction or second hand is becoming more attractive to consumers to offset the rising costs in materials. However, one should exercise caution when it comes to purchasing any equipment from such venues as it does pose risks for your workers and for your budget and could potentially increase your exposure to harm. Rental companies do not sell used equipment because of this liability. There are also no Lemon Laws to help protect those who buy faulty/used equipment from an auction or otherwise.When hoisting and rigging equipment is purchased from an auction, the items are obtained in their current condition. This could mean they’re in perfect condition or less than perfect condition. It’s also unlikely they will have a certification or any proof of testing and inspection, which leaves their chances of total efficiently and safety to mystery. So, at that point, it becomes the responsibility of the buyer to examine, test, and certify the hoisting and rigging prior to using it on any jobsite and ensure its in compliance with ANSI and ASME guidelines. It isn’t an inherently risky decision to purchase equipment from an auction, but one should use caution should they decide to do so.

Your bottom line won’t benefit from purchasing equipment from an auction either if the equipment that was purchased was faulty or in need of refurbishment. When you compare it to renting your hoisting and rigging equipment, the customer will receive equipment that been properly tested and inspected prior to use. All certifications can be supplied and would be current for reference. At the end of the project, the rental equipment is simply returned and there is no need for any future warehouse storage or servicing required by the user.

The same case can be made for those who wish to purchase new hoisting or rigging equipment. At least when purchased brand new, you can be rest assured that the equipment you are buying hasn’t been used before and has been designed for the user’s total and complete security.

Now, there could be items purchased from an auction that are in good working order or if you have the ability to test and inspect yourself, then buying from an auction isn’t necessarily a gamble. If you don’t have the resources to test and certify prior to use, then you are risking the welfare of yourself, the other workers, and the equipment itself.