Our Valuation Approach

When you request a valuation from InstruBid, we deploy a comprehensive, research-driven approach:

Expert Examination: Our engineers and appraisers physically inspect the equipment (when possible) or review detailed descriptions/photos. We identify key factors like model specifications, included options or modules, age and condition, service/calibration status, and any unique features or accessories. Technical instruments can vary widely even within one model series (due to software options, bandwidth upgrades, etc.), so this expert scrutiny is essential.

Market Analysis: We tap into multiple data sources to gauge the item’s current market value. This includes:

• Historical Auction Results: We review past auction sales for similar instruments (both our own records and industry databases) to see what prices were achieved.
• Online Marketplaces: We check listings on used equipment platforms (such as LabX, EquipNet, eBay, etc.) for similar models. This helps us see asking prices and how frequently the item is available.
• Dealer Pricing: Through our extensive experience and our network of resellers, we often know the typical dealer resale price for many instruments. If the item is something commonly refurbished and sold by dealers, that gives a benchmark.
• New Replacement Cost: If the model (or its modern equivalent) is still sold new, we note the current new price from the manufacturer. While used gear won’t fetch new prices, knowing this helps to understand the asset’s value ceiling and depreciation.
• Demand & Scarcity: We consider how in-demand the item is. Is it a staple instrument that many labs use (hence decent demand)? Or a very specialised tool with a smaller buyer pool? Scarcity in the secondary market can sometimes increase value if buyers are waiting for one to appear, or it can reduce value if it’s obsolete tech.
• Frequency of Availability: If an item regularly shows up for sale secondhand, buyers have choices and the price might be driven lower. If it’s rare to find, bidders might pay a premium at auction due to the opportunity.
• Software & Databases: Unlike commodities or cars, there isn’t a single “Blue Book” or software that can automatically value every lab instrument accurately, and this is where many general appraisers fall short. Some auctioneers might rely on generic depreciation tables or broad software valuations that say “equipment of X age is worth Y% of original value.” These one-size-fits-all tools are often inaccurate for niche technical equipment – they can’t account for the nuances we mentioned (like a spectrum analyser with specific modules can be worth double one without). Instead of an automated approach, we use human intelligence augmented by data. We do subscribe to industry auction result databases and use spreadsheets to compile data, but ultimately, our experts interpret the information.
• Holistic Judgment: After gathering data, our team discusses and arrives at a valuation range. We typically provide:
  • Auction Estimate: e.g. “£5,000–£7,000 expected hammer price.” This is our forecast of what bidding might achieve.
  • Reserve Recommendation: if you want a minimum price, we suggest a reasonable reserve (maybe at the low end of the estimate or slightly below, to attract bidding but protect from underselling).
  • Immediate Sale Value: if applicable, what we might offer in a direct purchase or guaranteed deal (this is typically lower than auction potential, but it’s an option if you need an instant sale).

We document how we arrived at these numbers, and we’re happy to explain the rationale. Transparency is part of our service.

Why Our Valuations Are Reliable

Specialist Knowledge: Our background in the field (including a decade of buying and selling test equipment) means we know the true market appetite. We won’t confuse a £5,000 oscilloscope for the similar-looking £500 model – whereas a generic valuer might. Small differences in model or firmware can mean big differences in price; we catch those details.

Real-Time Market Feedback: Because we continuously run auctions and sales, we have up-to-date insight into what buyers are paying right now. Market values can fluctuate with technology trends (for instance, if a new model comes out, older ones might drop in value, or conversely, if a certain instrument is on long lead-time new, the used price goes up due to demand). We adjust valuations accordingly, whereas static valuation software might be outdated.

No Over or Under Estimating: We aim to get it right so that sellers can trust our guidance and buyers see realistic estimates. Overestimating can lead to disappointed clients or unsold lots; underestimating might leave money on the table. Our thorough approach prevents the pitfalls of “quick guess” valuations.

Independent and Ethical: Some companies use valuations as a trick to win business (inflating the numbers to lure a seller, then underperforming). At InstruBid, we value our reputation for accuracy. Our valuations are given in good faith, reflecting what we truly expect in an open market sale. This builds long-term trust with our clients.

Regulatory Compliance: While not RICS certified surveyors, we follow similar principles of due diligence in valuation. We understand that for insolvency practitioners or corporate sellers, getting a reliable valuation is important for your internal compliance. Our reports can be used to make informed decisions on asset disposal. (For any case where a RICS Red Book valuation or certified appraisal is required by law or policy, we will either collaborate with a qualified valuer or make that clear – for example, real estate or certain accounting valuations require RICS. Typical lab equipment auctions do not mandate RICS valuers, and our track record shows our accuracy is on par with industry standards.)

Continuous Improvement: We continuously refine our valuation database. Every auction result from our sales becomes data for future appraisals. We also stay updated on tech advancements (e.g. the rise of certain biotech instruments or the decline of older telecom test sets) so we can anticipate how those trends affect prices.

In summary, when you get a valuation from InstruBid, you’re getting a carefully considered number, not a rough guess. This helps you decide how to dispose of assets (and gives you confidence to engage in an auction knowing the likely outcome). It’s another reason InstruBid stands out as a partner – we combine technology, data, and human expertise to provide a level of appraisal quality that generic auctioneers or software simply can’t match.

Thinking of selling some equipment? Contact us now and request an expert valuation from InstruBid – it’s free, and it’s the best way to discover what your assets are truly worth in today’s market.