How It Works: Buying on Operatory Auctions

Register and tell us what you need

Registration is free. No credit card required. It takes about two minutes.

During registration, tell us what equipment categories you are looking for: dental chairs, imaging systems, sterilization equipment, compressors, and so on. Be specific if you can. If you are looking for a specific brand or model, tell us.

We use this information to send you alerts the moment a matching lot goes live. You only hear about equipment that matches what you told us you want.

Browse available lots

Every listing includes a condition report, multiple photos, serial number, service history (when available), and condition grade before bidding opens.

This documentation is available before you place a single bid. You are never bidding blind.

Review the photos carefully. Read the condition notes. Look at the serial number and verify it against the manufacturer's records if the equipment is high-value. Ask questions if anything is unclear.

Ask questions before bidding

You can ask questions through the listing interface before placing a bid. We relay questions to the seller and respond as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours.

Good questions to ask: reason for sale, whether the equipment was in active clinical use, any known issues not mentioned in the listing, availability for an in-person inspection, software compatibility for imaging equipment.

If something important is unresolved, do not bid. Ask first. A bid is a legal commitment to purchase.

Place your bid

When you are ready to bid, enter your bid amount. You must meet or exceed the current minimum bid increment.

Every bid is binding. Do not bid on equipment you do not intend to purchase.

You will receive a confirmation email when your bid is placed and a notification if you are outbid.

Proxy bidding explained

You do not need to monitor the auction in real time. Set your maximum bid and the system handles the rest.

When you enter a maximum bid, the system starts at the minimum increment above the current leading bid. If someone outbids you, the system automatically counters up to your maximum. You only pay what is necessary to win, not your stated maximum.

Set your maximum at the true most you would pay for the equipment. Factor in the 12% buyer's premium and your expected installation costs. Your ceiling should be based on what the equipment is worth to your practice.

Note: if two bidders enter the same maximum, the first bidder wins at that maximum. Enter your true maximum upfront.

Win the auction

When the 7-day auction closes, the highest bid wins. You will receive an invoice by email within a few hours of auction close.

The invoice shows: your winning bid, the 12% buyer's premium, the total amount due, payment instructions, and the payment deadline.

Review the invoice carefully. If anything looks wrong, contact us immediately at osita@operatoryauctions.com.

Pay within 2 business days

Payment is due within 2 business days of auction close. This is a firm deadline.

We accept: ACH bank transfer (preferred for larger purchases), wire transfer, or credit card for purchases under $5,000.

Once payment clears, we confirm with you and begin coordinating logistics.

If you need more time for payment or have a question about your invoice, contact us immediately. Missed payment deadlines can result in forfeiture of the lot.

Coordinate pickup or freight

Once payment clears, we work with you on logistics.

Buyer pickup: you or your crew comes to the seller's location. We coordinate date and time with the seller. You are responsible for proper disconnection, removal, and transport. Most single-chair pickups take 2 to 4 hours. Plan for the right tools and vehicle.

Freight delivery: we coordinate with specialized freight carriers. Freight costs are your responsibility. We provide estimates before you commit. For imaging equipment and large units, white-glove freight options are available.

The 5-day inspection window starts when the equipment arrives at your practice location.

Inspect during the 5-day window

You have 5 days from delivery to inspect the equipment and raise any concerns. After that window closes, the sale is final.

What to check: verify the serial number matches the listing, test all functional components, look for transport damage, confirm all listed accessories are present.

For chairs: test the hydraulics, delivery unit, light arm, and foot controls. For imaging equipment: power on and verify the software initializes. For autoclaves: run a cycle.

If you find something that materially differs from the listing, email osita@operatoryauctions.com immediately with photos and a description. Do not wait. Contact us on day 1, not day 4.

Installation and setup

Plan for professional installation. This is where first-time buyers sometimes get surprised.

Dental chairs need plumbing, air supply, and electrical hookup. Most installations require a licensed plumber or a certified dental equipment technician. Budget $800 to $2,500 depending on your existing operatory setup.

Panoramic and CBCT systems require factory-calibration after installation before clinical use. This is non-negotiable for diagnostic imaging. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer to schedule calibration.

CEREC and CAD/CAM systems may require software licensing and hardware authentication. Verify compatibility with your practice management system before you bid.

If you need a referral to a dental equipment service technician in your area, email us and we will do our best to connect you.