Thank you Skylarc, very quick and superior service. Highly recommended.
The Challenge
Although relatively compact, the workshop was densely packed with machinery, tooling and equipment, requiring careful planning to catalogue the assets, photograph every item and coordinate buyer collections safely and efficiently.
One of the defining features of this project was the exceptional condition of the machinery. Every machine had been meticulously maintained throughout its working life, making it one of the best-presented engineering workshops the Skylarc team has encountered. Presenting these assets professionally and highlighting their condition was essential to attracting serious buyers and achieving the strongest possible prices.
The Process
Skylarc completed a comprehensive inventory of the workshop, identifying, cataloguing, photographing and professionally describing more than 400 individual auction lots. Every asset, from precision measuring equipment and workshop tooling through to major machine tools, received detailed descriptions and high-quality photography.
Particular attention was given to showcasing the outstanding condition of the machinery, with listings highlighting maintenance, specifications and overall presentation. This ensured buyers could bid with confidence and accurately assess the quality of every item.
The workshop was carefully organised for inspections and buyer collections, with each stage of the project managed to ensure assets could be removed safely from the tightly packed premises while maintaining an orderly site throughout the collection process.
Marketing
Skylarc implemented a targeted marketing campaign to reach engineering businesses, manufacturers and workshop owners throughout New Zealand.
The auction was promoted through Facebook advertising, directing prospective buyers to Skylarc's dedicated auction landing page before linking through to the live Trade Me listings. The campaign was further supported by targeted email marketing to Skylarc's extensive database of engineering, manufacturing and industrial buyers, ensuring the sale reached an audience actively seeking quality workshop equipment.
By combining digital advertising with direct industry marketing, the auction attracted strong nationwide participation and competitive bidding across the entire catalogue.
The Results
The Richard Illsey Engineering Retirement Auction delivered an outstanding outcome, with total realisations exceeding expectations by more than 100%.
The auction attracted exceptional buyer engagement, with an audience of 3,626 people following the sale and 758 individual bidders competing across more than 400 auction lots. Buyers from throughout New Zealand secured machinery, tooling and workshop equipment, ensuring these high-quality assets would continue to be used in engineering businesses across the country.
Strong competition throughout the auction resulted in excellent prices across the catalogue, particularly for the premium machine tools. The exceptional condition of the workshop equipment, combined with Skylarc's professional presentation and targeted marketing campaign, enabled the market to recognise the true value of the assets.
The project was completed smoothly, with buyer collections carefully coordinated despite the tightly packed workshop. The success of the auction demonstrated how professional asset presentation, strategic marketing and a transparent online auction process can maximise returns for retirement sales of specialised engineering equipment.
What Our Clients Say
Here's what some of the people who have worked with us have had to say about their experience.
Sam and the team at Skylarc made an extremely complex process seem easy! The professionalism and integrity they displayed was second to none and we were absolutely astounded by the results they delivered. An absolute breeze to deal with and exceeded all expectations – I would strongly recommend their services.
Thanks Sam, a quick and easy way to exit business, with surprising results.
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