Helpful hints for navigating an item's inspection report

Posted by IronPlanet on Oct 24, 2012 1:51:00 AM

Buying big ticket items online can be a daunting task for many, but when it comes to agriculture equipment and construction equipment, IronPlanet helps buyers make informed decisions. The online auction site provides detailed inspection reports for many of its listed items, which include a variety of details about the equipment. This allows buyers to gather the same information they would find for themselves as well as details they wouldn't be able to discern on their own, such as laboratory analyses of the oil and other fluids for applicable machinery. IronPlanet provides this information so bidders know what they see is what they get, and there are no surprises when winners receive their goods.

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Inspection standards IronPlanet's professional inspectors perform thorough examinations of equipment and hold similar items to the same standards to help buyers make accurate side-by-side comparisons. They visually inspect each item for any signs of wear, paint chips, dents or rust. Measurements are taken of crane height, bucket width, track shoe length and other important details, and the inspector may even fire up the engine and test drive applicable equipment.

Understanding ratings
Many of the details in the report are given a rating that ranges from one to four color-coded stars. One red star indicates a component is in need of immediate repair or replacement, and two yellow stars makes it apparent that the aspect in question is in less than ideal condition and will likely need work done soon. When a component of an item has three green stars, this means that it is in working condition and operates as to be expected for the vehicle's age. The highest rating an inspector can give is four green stars, which indicates the component is not just in working condition, it is like-new and free of any visible wear or defects.

Navigating photos
Even with a written report that details the item, visual aids can be very helpful for the discerning buyer. IronPlanet inspectors take many photographs of the item, including more detailed snapshots of individual parts, gauges and other components of a machine. These high-quality pictures are available for buyers to view on the listing page. They are displayed as thumbnail images - clicking on each one will enlarge it, and there will be a brief description of which aspect is currently being shown.

Buyers can also look for the camera icon next to a component's name on the written list. Clicking on the words will bring up the specific photo of that item. If the photos on the regular browser window are not large enough, buyers can click on the first image of the equipment at the top of the listing page. This will open the photo album in a new window that displays larger images and can be viewed as a slideshow or scrolled through at the buyer's own pace.

IronClad Assurance
This seal of approval is placed on items that have been inspected, which makes it easier to find inspected equipment in the Daily Marketplace or Featured Auction. There is either a small orange badge with a checkmark or a larger IronPlanet seal of approval placed next to the item description on every page of listings. Bidders who want to find an item that has a thorough report can separate out their options easier thanks to this signifying marker.

The inspection report allows buyers to bid with confidence knowing that what they see is what they'll get. IronPlanet also has a safeguard should equipment arrive to the seller in a condition that does not match the inspection report. Buyers are given 24 hours to report an issue and begin the return process if necessary.

Topics: Construction