Category: News

Hudsonville Live Equipment Auction

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live auction hudsonville

Hudsonville Live Equipment Auction

Get ready for our annual fall live auction in Hudsonville!

It’s one of our favorite times of the year! We love our live equipment auction that we host with the Hudsonville Fairgrounds. This auction allows us to sell off items for members of our community who aren’t able to host a full auction themselves. We are happy to be able to cross our love of live auctions with the community we cherish. There will be four auction rings: construction, farm, lawn/garden and miscellaneous equipment. The auction will be held on Saturday, December seventh at 10am. The auction is located at the Hudsonville Fairgrounds (5235 40th Ave.). Online bidding is available on Proxibid.com on Rings 1 & 2. Click this link for more information about the auction.

Live auctions are a great place to purchase used equipment and other assets. Often times you can find quality items with only some use for great deals. The final bidding price will reflect the true market value of the asset in its current state. If you end up as the highest bidder, you will truly be paying exactly what you value the item at compared to the rest of the market.

Looking to sell your items? There is still time for you to participate in this auction! Just bring your items by starting December 2nd through the 5th (we will stop taking small items on Thursday the 5th)! We will still accept equipment on Friday the 6th as well. Contact Chuck at (616) 560-0839 for more information about consigning your assets in this auction.

If you aren’t quite ready for this auction, contact us about our upcoming auctions! Auctions are a great way to sell your items as you can often get a better price than you would in a traditional used equipment sale. As bidders go back and forth they will drive up the price further, bringing the true market value to light. Auctions also take the stress off your shoulders as the seller, as you don’t have to worry about marketing or finding the right people to buy your items. We have been around for a long time and have a loyal pool of bidders that will be incredibly interested in your items. Contact us with any questions about our company, or if you are interested in holding an auction with us!

Check out our other upcoming auctions!

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Fall Hudsonville Fairgrounds Equipment Auction 2019

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consignment auction

Fall Hudsonville Fairgrounds Equipment Auction 2019

Consignments are welcome at our annual fall Hudsonville Fairgrounds Equipment Auction for 2019. This live / online webcast auction is one that you will not want to miss. The auction itself will be held at the Hudsonville Fairgrounds, 5234 40th Ave., Hudsonville MI 49423. To view auction details, click here. If you are looking to sell quality used equipment, please contact Chuck today! Phone: 616-560-0839 Email: Chuck@1800lastbid.com – we are looking to sell items such as farm equipment, construction equipment, vehicles, trucks and trailers, lawn and garden, and more! Live auction will be held on Saturday, December 7!

Looking To Sell Your Equipment?

If you are looking to sell equipment such as construction, farm, lawn and garden, vehicles or other miscellaneous equipment – this is a great auction for you. We are offering various advertising packages to ensure that your equipment is seen by the most people 

Find Out More About Selling With Us

Looking To Buy Equipment?

On December 7 we will have a wide variety of equipment available on our live / online webcast auction. This will be just the place for you to see some quality equipment at an affordable price. We will have tons of farm equipment, construction equipment, lawn and garden pieces, and more. We are sure that there will be something for everyone. Click the link below for more auction details!

More Auction Details

If you have questions regarding selling or buying with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us today! 

Contact Us Today!

How to Promote an Auction to a Specific Audience

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how to promote an auction to a specific audience

How to Promote an Auction to a Specific Audience

Bringing in the Right Bidders

Auctions are a great way to sell your assets. They are fun, fast, and can bring in higher profits than traditional sales. Just as with any other sale, you want to make sure that the right people are aware of your auction so that you can reach as many potential bidders as possible. Afterall, you wouldn’t want to be pushing a huge marketing campaign for an agricultural equipment auction to individuals that work in the construction industry! That wouldn’t be the best use of resources and likely wouldn’t improve your sales. Whereas focusing on a specific target market of potential bidders can help you bring in bidders who are truly interested in buying your assets – thus driving up the bidding price and making you more money. If you work with an auction house (like us) they will use their own resources to promote you auction to the right bidders, but there is a lot that you can do on your end that will help promote your auction even further to your specific audience!

First things first – know your audience

Considering the fact that you are probably part of your audience, you will probably have a pretty good idea of who will be interested in the assets that you are selling. Determine exactly who you want to promote your auction to. Perhaps you know other businesses in your area that are looking to expand and would jump at the chance to buy your equipment. Maybe you know of a few farmers that have been renting equipment for the planting or harvesting season that are contemplating if the rental costs are worth it and have been looking into buying their own equipment. Think about who your customers are! If you will no longer be servicing them – see if they want to buy your assets to use themselves! After you’ve determined who would be most likely to want your items, you will have a better idea of how to inform them about your auction.

Highlight your auction on your website

One of the best places to notify people about your auction is on your own website! You get tons of traffic from individuals that are clearly interested in your company and your services, so they will probably be interested in what you are selling! Create a graphic for the auction for your home page so that it’s one of the first things that people see when visiting your site (while still maintaining the overall image of your website). You can also write a blog post about your upcoming auction to put out more content in more places! This is a great way to give in depth information concerning the logistics of your auction to your visitors and will help drive traffic to the auction page.

Promote on your own social media pages

Just because an auction house is promoting your auction on their social media doesn’t mean that you can’t also promote it on yours! If you don’t have a ton of time to dedicate to your social media, simply share the posts from the auction company on your own page. It will show your followers that your auction is taking place and direct them to where they can register. If you have more time and want to go above and beyond, set up your own social campaign for your auction. Create a general catalog post of all the items up for auction, send out reminders, and have a ‘featured item’ post each day leading up to the auction so that potential bidders can see all your items. If it’s a live auction, create a Facebook event that you can invite people to! You can also find Facebook groups full of members in your industry that you can post in about your upcoming auction. Make sure to read the group guidelines of course – many groups have restrictions to what members can post in regards to selling assets.

social media facebook

All these things will help you connect with targeted potential bidders. Anything that you push on your social media will show up to your followers who clearly already are interested in you, and members of the industry focused groups will be excited to learn about ways they could expand their own production. And just like that you have a group of bidders that are in the bullseye of your target market!

Take advantage of your contacts

After you’ve reached out to your followers on social media, take advantage of further resources that your company has. Most likely you have an email list that you send promotions, new releases or newsletters to. Take advantage of that! Send out an email to your contacts with information about your upcoming auction – highlight some of your key items, give the backstory as to why you’re selling, and include all the information they might need to register and participate in the auction. Anyone on your mailing list is clearly invested in your company and will want to know what’s going on – and might want to purchase your assets! This is a great way to alert a specific audience of your auction.

Print marketing

If you know that a lot of your customers are used to print marketing, make sure to do what you can in the physical world to inform people about your auctions. Print out flyers to hang up in prominent places around town, put an ad in the local paper, send out mailers, or even create physical invitations for a live auction! You will know best how your target audience receives information, take advantage of that knowledge to promote your auction to them in whatever ways you can!
These are just a few great ways that you can promote you auction to a specific target market along with the marketing that an auction house will be conducting for you. Having a specific audience to focus your marketing campaigns on brings you bidders that are more invested in your auction who will drive up your final bids. And the higher your final bids the more money you make off your auction! If you are interested in holding your own auction, contact us today to see how we can help you sell your assets!

Expectations for Your First Live Auction

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New to the live auction industry?

While auctions are events full of excitement and anticipation for those of us who have been participating in them for a long time, live auctions can be disconcerting if you don’t know what you’re doing. Afterall, you don’t want to accidentally bid on a wrong item, bringing home a beautiful new skid steer or tractor to your suburban home. We’ve compiled a list of tips for beginners heading into their first live auction so that you can know what to expect, feel as comfortable as possible, have a great time, and bring home some fantastic pieces.

First things first: Basic Auction Vocabulary

If you aren’t used to the auction industry, the vocabulary can trip you up! Here are a few common terms that you should know heading into your first auction:

Auctioneer – the person at the front of the room calling out bids and leading the auction

Seller/Consigner – the individual or company that is selling the item through the auction

Lot – an item or items that you bid on, typically distinguished by a lot number

Starting Bid – the minimum dollar amount that you can start bidding at (typically set by the auction company)

 

Bid Increment – the dollar amount by which you must increase your bid by (Ex. If an item has a starting bid of $10 with a $5 bid increment the next bid will have to be $15 then $20 and so on). These are typically used in online auctions, but it is good for you to know.

Buyer’s Premium – an additional charge added to a final bid that the buyer will pay. This will be indicated for each item and you will be able to know this before bidding.

Proxy Bidding – Some live auctions are both online and live. When there is bidding online, many auction companies will allow individuals to set the maximum that they would be willing to pay and then let a computer do the bidding for them. It’s good to know that there may be people bidding against you that aren’t in the room if the auction you attend is both live and online.

Live Auction Beginners: Understanding Your Expectations

As you head into an auction it can be difficult to know what to expect. We’ve outlined a few things that will help you understand what you’re getting yourself into with live auctions and some tips to make the auction process easier!

Before the Auction

1.Register for the auction

Registering for an auction is how you get to bid! It will give you your bidder number and will make you eligible to participate. Registering beforehand gives you more time to inspect your items once you get there instead of being stuck in line. Register for our auctions here.

2.Decide what you want to bid on

Once you get to an auction you can get swept up in the excitement and decide to bid on things that you never knew you wanted but now you must have! Avoid buyers regret by combing through the items before the auction so that you can decide exactly what you want to bid on. Not only will you have a good idea of everything that is up for auction, you will know what items you are dedicated to and will feel more committed to making sure that you get what you want, instead of hopping in randomly on lots that you don’t care about.

litz cranes

3.Do your research

Once you’ve determined what you want to buy, do your research. Read all the information that is listed with the lots you are interested in so that you know the condition of the items, where they are located, and what you might need to repair if you do end up as the final bidder. Depending on where the auction will be located and what type of auction it is there will most likely be an inspection period for interested bidders to come take a look at the items. If it’s offered – go! This is a perfect way for you to see the value of an item you are interested in and can help you determine if you still plan to bid on it. If you don’t see anything listed about an inspection, feel free to contact us and we will see if it is possible for you to view items you are interested in before the auction.

Another aspect of researching your items is looking at the buyer fees and conditions for each lot. You will want to make sure that you know what forms of payment will be accepted so that you don’t find yourself unable to pay for your new items. Find out what transporting your winnings looks like as well. In some auctions you are required to take anything you’ve won with you as soon as that auction is complete. Other times you may be able store the item with the auction house until you can arrange for alternate transportation to help you pick it up. You will also want to know what the buyer’s premium for a lot is so that you know how much extra you may find yourself paying if you win. It’s also a good idea to be familiar with the taxes that you may also have to pay on the items. This might be less fun research than picking out what you want to buy, but it will help you from being blindsided and stressed when the hammer comes down and you’re the highest bidder.

At the Auction

4.Get there early

Getting to an auction early give you time to get a feel for the room, understand the atmosphere and get a great spot to bid from. Of course, if the auction you plan to participate in is an event it’s best to follow the seating chart and timeline for the night, you don’t want to show up to a formal event too early – they won’t be ready for you! But it’s best to show up before the auction process starts in case you still have to register, want to inspect your items again (which we recommend) or want to ask additional questions before the fun begins.

4.Know that if you bid, you buy

We all know the phrase ‘If you break it you buy it’ but have you heard of the auction version of that? It’s ‘if you bid, you buy’ meaning that if you start bidding on an item you are committing to purchase it if you are to win. At most auctions once a bid is on the table you are not able to retract it, so when you’re bidding, make sure you know what you are committing to.

6.Be confident but calm when bidding

When you do start bidding you will want to be confident. Otherwise other bidders might see you as an easy drop out and won’t take you seriously. Confidently make bids and counterbids against other bidders to show that you’re in it for the item on the auction block. On the other hand, don’t get to excited or so confident that you blurt out your maximum bid right away. The auctioneer will gradually increase the bid as they go. More and more bidders may fall off before the price gets to your final bid, letting you win your item for less that you planned!

7.Have fun!

Auctions are a great experience and give you the chance to get some incredible items. They are fun events to attend and if it happens to be a charity action, a great chance to give back to your community or an organization. We’ve given you some tips to help navigate a live auction, but all in all they are a blast to participate in. If you have any other questions about participating or even selling in one of our upcoming auctions, contact us here.

Are you ready to take part in an auction? See what live auctions are coming up next!

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Meet our Auctioneer: Kurt Mingerink

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Meet Our Auctioneer

Meet our Auctioneer: Kurt Mingerink

Kurt Mingerink is one of our newer auctioneers here at Miedema Auctioneering. While being an auctioneer for Miedema Auctioneering, Kurt is also the President of Operations for Orbitbid.com and Rangerbid.com, We recently sat down with Kurt to ask him questions about being an auctioneer.

How long have you been an auctioneer for Miedema Auctioneering, Inc.?

I grew up in the auction world, running papers as a child at live auctions, and eventually working professionally in the industry for nearly 18 years. I mostly worked in the online auction divisions of our companies, and for the last 4 years I have also been bid calling as a live auctioneer for our MAI live auction department and for many charitable associations.

auctioneer

What made you want to become an auctioneer?

I grew up watching my Uncles and Grandpa as auctioneers my whole life, and I always admired the craft, and I wanted to do what they did. As I grew in the business, my desire to become a well-rounded professional in the industry, and the urge to “get up there and sell” finally overcame my fear and I signed up for auction school when I was 32 years old. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

Where did you go to Auctioneer School?

I graduated from Reppert School of Auctioneering (Indianapolis, Indiana) in June of 2015.

What is your favorite aspect of being an auctioneer?

It is a very challenging and very rewarding profession. Challenging in that there is a constant desire to be better, to practice, to compete, and rank yourself among other auctioneers. This has created many opportunities for new friendships and relationships with other auctioneers, which is such a neat opportunity. Mainly though, it is very rewarding to provide a unique service for sellers while helping them achieve a goal that they might not otherwise be able to achieve. Additionally, it is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to assist and help so many great and reputable charities and associations, and to be a part of the process that helps raise money for such great causes and organizations.

What is the craziest item you have ever sold?

I have sold many very unique assets over the years consisting of haunted houses, complete fleets of airplanes,  underwater chainsaws, very unique collector cars, etc., but the single craziest thing I can think of that I personally sold was when we liquidated the assets of an individual featured on the TV show American Greed. We sold all the personal assets of Barton Watson, founder of the company Cybernet, which was a company involved in a $100 Million dollar Ponzi scheme. We sold his personal items like bath towels, furniture, décor, backyard grill, etc. and it was so interesting to see how high people were willing to bid and pay for such “simple” and “normal” items, only because they once belonged to a man who became famous for something no one wants to be famous for.

Outside of being an auctioneer, what are your hobbies?

Anything with my three young kids (hunting, fishing, golfing, kids baseball and soccer games, and being involved in our church)

Now that you’ve gotten the chance to meet Kurt, get to know the rest of our staff here or go straight to the auction site to start bidding on your next dream purchase!

kurt auctioneer
miedema auctioneering
kurt miedema auctioneering

Miedema Auction Areas of Specialty

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What We Do Best

Miedema Auctioneering offers a wide array of auction expertise. Having conducted everything from Farm & Agricultural Auctions to Real Estate & Industrial Auctions, we know what we are doing. Construction equipment in particular is one of our main focus. We have sold millions of dollars of assets since we were founded. Miedema Auctioneering has sold equipment for companies that have decided to close, liquidate certain assets or a number of other reasons. Throughout the years we have found that many bidders like purchasing construction equipment through live auctions as our auctions almost always have an array of brands and manufacturer offered and are not limited to one specific brand of equipment. If they were simply to visit a dealer they would only be able to view one brand. Another popular aspect of live auction is the “no pressure to buy” environment. At an auction you are not pressured into buying a specific piece of equipment like you might be with a sales person following you around a show room. At auctions, you are able to inspect the equipment in person at your convenience, with no obligations no purchase. Our live auctions also offer the convenience of bidding live in person, or online if you are not able to attend the auction itself. Many bidders may think they need to be present to bid but that is not the case with Miedema Auctioneering auctions! We always try to offer multiple ways to bid. Many people view a live auction as a “one stop shop”. Many of our live construction equipment auctions offer a variety of equipment that range from items within a shop to equipment such as excavators to bulldozers to loaders. All of the Miedema auctions conducted by our companies are conducted to help you get more for your assets. Contact us today about setting up an auction.

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Hudsonville Fairgrounds Auction

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The Miedema Auctioneering Bi-Annual Equipment Auction

Twice a year Miedema Auctioneering hosts a live auction at the Hudsonville Fairgrounds in Hudonsville, Michigan.

This auction has become a very popular auction over the 30+ years that Miedema has hosted it. Many of our loyal bidders and buyers look forward to these auctions every year! Rain or shine, snow or wind, we are at the fairgrounds selling equipment.

Our next equipment auction is on the calendar!

Saturday, December 7 will be here before we know it (don’t worry we aren’t trying to rush winter). If you are interested in selling within this auction and would like your equipment featured within our brochures, the advertising deadline is Wednesday, November 6.

As for dropping off your equipment at the fairgrounds, we start accepting equipment and small items on Monday December 2 – December 5 from 8-5. We stop taking small items on Thursday December 5. We will still accept equipment on Friday December 6 until 3:00 pm.

If you are interested in consigning your equipment to this auction, Donna Reitsma is the person you will want to get in contact with. Donna can be reached at: 616-389-6440 or donna@1800lastbid.com

Looking for more information about the Hudsonville Fairgrounds Auction?

Click Here
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Recently Sold at Auction

Here is one of our recently sold at auction properties.

recently sold at auction

On Saturday, August 10 our Daybreak Dairy- Farm and Dairy Equipment Live Auction took place in Zeeland, Michigan.

Bidders from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio attended the auction with hopes of taking this equipment home to their farms.

recently sold at auction
recently sold at auction
recently sold at auction

Many bidders attended this auction with hopes of bringing home the star of the auction, a John Deere 6605 Forage Chopper. In addition to the chopper, many bidders had their eyes on a hay and corn head that attached to the chopper. By the time it was time to bid on the chopper bids flew back and forth, and back and forth again. With the final bid called, the chopper, and heads officially had a new home.

The John Deere 6605 Forage Chopper brought in a high bid of $61,000, while the John Deere 640A Hay Head received a high bid of $5,500 and last but not least, the John Deere 686 Corn Head received a high bid of $25,000.

Overall, it was a beautiful day for an auction, and many bidders headed home with smiles and new equipment

Hudsonville Fairgrounds 4H Livestock Auction

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Hudsonville Fairgrounds 4H Livestock Auction

Hudsonville 4H Livestock Auction

It’s almost that time of year again, Fair Week! For those of us that live in or around the Hudsonville, Michigan area, Fair Week is a big week. Between the rides, food, monster truck show and supercross racing, is the annual 4H Auction.

Throughout the year, kids of all ages raise animals such as lambs, cows, pigs and goats with the end goal of selling them via a 4H auction

The 4H auction will take place on Thursday, August 22. Registration will begin at 1:30pm and the auction itself will begin at 2pm.

The sale order for the auction will go in order of: Milk, Lambs, Beef, Dairy Beef, Benefit Hog, then Hogs

Mark your calendars, and we hope to see you at the auction!

Click Here to Learn More About the Daily Activities

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Charity Auctions

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Did you know that the auctioneers of Miedema Auctioneering volunteer their time throughout the year for charity auctions? Whether the auction is benefiting a school, local organization or a foundation our auctioneers are happy to get on stage to help you sell your items.

Throughout the year our auctioneers travel all across the state of Michigan to offer their services to help raise money! The latest charity auction that our auctioneers helped to raise money for was to help support local animal shelters.

If you’re interested in learning more about having us at your charity auction please contact Donna at donna@lastbid.com

Want to learn more about the other types of auctions we specialize in? Click here!

charity auctions
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