1. VIEW / INSPECT ITEM

Where possible, arrange to view and physically inspect the item – either before the auction ends or, if you have already purchased it, before payment is completed – to ensure that the equipment is mechanically sound and that the serial number/identification is authentic and has not been altered.

2. VERIFY ADDRESS OF SELLER

Before arranging payment for an item which you have purchased, verify the address of the seller. You can do this, for example, by collecting the equipment from their home or business address – and check that this matches the address on any documentation.

3. DOCUMENTATION

Request to view or obtain copies of any documentation which the seller has – such as invoices/receipts or V5 documents – and, when completing payment, ask for a receipt which is dated and includes the seller’s full address (if you have purchased the item, you will already have the seller/buyer invoice which Digger Bidder produced to confirm the details of the sale).

4. CHECK FOR THEFT AND FINANCE

Check the serial number against a recognised industry database to ensure that the item is not reported as stolen or recorded on finance.

5. OTHER CHECKS

– Check the ignition has not been damaged.
– Check if the seller has the keys. If not, why not?
– Check for recently resprayed equipment. This may be cause for concern.