Buyer's Guide to Dental Equipment Auctions

Every listing includes a condition report prepared during our on-site inspection. Here is what it contains and how to use it.

The report also includes the serial number. For dental chairs and delivery units, the serial number lets you look up the exact manufacture date and equipment generation. For imaging equipment, it is essential for verifying software compatibility and service eligibility.

Service history, when available, is attached directly to the listing. If service records are not available, that is noted. A missing service record is not necessarily a problem, but it means you are relying more heavily on the inspector's assessment.

You can ask questions directly through the listing before placing a bid. We relay them to the seller and respond as quickly as possible. Here are the questions worth asking on most lots:

• How old is the equipment, and when was it last in clinical use?
• What is the reason for sale? (Retirement, practice closure, upgrade, or something else?)
• Was this equipment in active daily use or has it been sitting idle?
• Are there any known functional issues not mentioned in the listing?
• Is an in-person inspection available before bidding closes?
• For imaging equipment: what software version is it running, and is it compatible with current digital sensor formats?
• For chairs: are there any issues with the hydraulics, the delivery system, or the light?

Do not bid on something you have a significant unanswered question about. Ask first. Bidding creates a legal obligation to purchase.

You do not need to be watching the auction in real time. Set a maximum bid and the system handles it for you.

When you enter your maximum bid, the system starts at the current minimum increment above the leading bid. If someone else bids, the system automatically increases your bid by the minimum increment, up to your maximum. You only pay what is necessary to win, not your maximum bid.

Set your maximum at the true most you would pay for the equipment, factoring in the 12% buyer's premium and your estimated installation costs. Bid what the equipment is worth to you in your practice, not what you hope to get it for.

When the auction closes, you will receive an invoice by email within a few hours. The invoice will show:

• Your winning bid amount
• The 12% buyer's premium (calculated on the winning bid)
• Total amount due
• Payment options and instructions
• Payment deadline (2 business days from auction close)

Payment options: ACH bank transfer, wire transfer, or credit card for purchases under $5,000. For large purchases, ACH or wire is required.

If you have questions about your invoice, email osita@operatoryauctions.com promptly. Missing the payment deadline can result in forfeiture of the lot.

Once payment clears, we coordinate logistics. There are two options:

The 5-day inspection window starts when the equipment arrives at your practice, not when it leaves the seller's location.

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

What to check during inspection:

• Verify the serial number matches the listing
• Power the equipment on and test all functional components
• Check for damage that occurred during transport
• For chairs: test the hydraulics, delivery unit, light arm, and all foot controls
• For imaging equipment: boot the software and verify it initializes correctly
• Confirm all accessories listed are present

If you find a material discrepancy, email osita@operatoryauctions.com immediately with photos and a description. We will investigate and work to resolve it. Do not wait until day 4 to report something you noticed on day 1.

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

• Dental chairs require plumbing and electrical. The chair needs a water supply line, air supply, and electrical hookup. Most installations require a licensed plumber, an electrician, or a certified dental equipment technician who handles all of it. Installation typically costs $800 to $2,500 depending on your existing operatory setup.
• Panoramic and CBCT systems need calibration. Imaging equipment must be calibrated after installation before clinical use. Budget for a factory-authorized service visit. This is non-negotiable for diagnostic imaging equipment.
• CAD/CAM and milling units need software configuration. CEREC and similar systems require software licensing and sometimes hardware authentication. Verify compatibility with your practice management system before you bid.
• Autoclaves require plumbing and electrical. Similar to chairs: water supply, drain, and dedicated circuit. Not a simple plug-in.

Factor installation costs into your total budget before you bid, not after. The equipment price is just the starting point.