Techbid Auctions Clicks With More Overseas Buyers

Specialist online broadcast equipment auctioneer, Techbid, is reporting a record number of international buyers this year.

From their W1 base, post-industry veterans Terry Bettles and Mark Phillips lead a dedicated team of professionals who have built a reputation over the past six years for releasing the maximum value locked up in under-used assets on behalf of vendors from all over the globe.

Terry Bettles said: "Techbid is increasingly being selected as the best & quickest method of capitalising on the residual value of equipment. There are many pieces of kit that, although maybe fallen out of fashion at home, are still favoured in many other parts of the world.

"We have handled more complete studios and transmission channels in the past year which has led to a higher proportion of higher-end gear like encoders, tx servers, lighting rigs, camera channels & control room kit like multi-viewers. The VTR market has dwindled (except for good archive decks) and there is a trend away from routers and traditional rack-based equipment. Lenses and accessories remain popular, as are all types of audio & video production gear and LED lighting. In recent auctions, we have also sold several high-spec Barco and Panasonic HD grading projectors.

"Our continually expanding database of international buyers, many of whom are repeat buyers, means we are able to sell most listed kit quickly and generally at higher prices than can be offered by UK dealers who may not have a ready market for it, unlike us. Although we protect the identity of vendors, most of them are well-known London post houses & studios who are either looking to upgrade or simply to free up space for new projects."

Mark Phillips added: "I think people respect the fact that Techbid is run by broadcast engineers who are familiar with the kit listed each month – and with all lots based at our HQ in central London, viewing and testing can easily be arranged prior to bidding. Importantly, we uniquely offer an optional packing & shipping service which, especially as we sell across all continents, has understandably become very popular.

"Perhaps what we are most proud of, however, is our bespoke online bidding engine which has always been very warmly received and makes the Techbid site stand out above the rest for ease of use. And the ability to place bids on your smartphone means that there's no need to miss the chance to buy when away from the office!"

Techbid have increased the frequency of their online kit auctions this year in response to increased demand from sellers.

However, as Phillips points out: "We are careful to manage prospective vendors' expectations by requesting a list of what they are considering selling so we can advise on their suitability for Techbid auctions, and indicate realistic reserve pricing based on past results. After all, we make no entry charge and it is no one's interest for lots not to sell!"

If you wish your equipment to be considered for inclusion in the next Techbid auction, you can email your list to [email protected].

www.techbid.co.uk

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 27.

(JP/LM)