4 Ways to Buy and Sell Used Industrial Machinery in Indonesia

When you are looking to buy or sell used industrial machinery in Indonesia, have you ever felt unsure about where to start or who to consult?

In this article, we introduce four common transaction methods widely used in Indonesia for buying and selling used industrial machinery.

How Are Used Industrial Machines Traded?

It is important to choose the most suitable method based on your company’s objectives and circumstances.

Below, we explain each option in detail:

1. Direct transactions between companies

2. Selling to used machinery purchasing companies

3. Transactions via Tokopedia

4. Transactions through a specialized online platform for used industrial machinery (Asset Bank)

1) Direct Transactions Between Companies

Advantages

• No intermediary costs

• Flexible negotiation of terms

Disadvantages

• Machine condition is the buyer’s responsibility

• Contracts tend to be simplified

In Indonesia, direct transactions between companies are often not pre-planned but arise due to sudden business circumstances.

For example, a company downsizing production may no longer need certain equipment and informally approach an industry contact. In some cases, this leads directly to a sale.

However, such transactions often proceed based on verbal agreements or simplified contracts, which can lead to misunderstandings regarding terms and conditions later.

2) Selling to Used Machinery Purchasing Companies

Advantages

• Immediate cash conversion is often possible

• Minimal time and effort required

Disadvantages

• Purchase prices tend to be lower

Selling to a machinery purchasing company is often chosen when businesses want to liquidate equipment quickly and with minimal effort.

In urgent cases, companies have successfully converted unused machinery into cash within a short period.

However, since purchasing companies buy equipment with the intention of reselling it, the sale price is typically lower than the market value.

3) Transactions via Tokopedia

Advantages

• Wide range of products available

• Access to a large user base

Disadvantages

• Anyone can list products, so quality and reliability vary widely

• Handling disputes can be difficult

Tokopedia is Indonesia’s largest online marketplace and has extremely high name recognition, with a large number of active users.

For buyers, it offers the ability to compare a wide variety of options. For sellers, it provides exposure to a broad audience.

However, when it comes to used industrial machinery—especially high-value, large-scale equipment that requires physical inspection and negotiation—the platform’s instant-purchase model is not always well suited.

Therefore, Tokopedia is generally more appropriate for smaller machines or peripheral equipment that are compact and lower in price.

It is also important to note that listing large industrial equipment can fall into a gray area depending on how it is posted. For example, some sellers list products with unrealistic prices such as Rp9,999,999,999 and include contact details in the description, asking buyers to contact them directly instead of purchasing through the platform.

Such listing practices may carry risks, including account suspension, so caution is advised.

4) Buying and Selling Through a Specialized Online Platform (Asset Bank)

Advantages

• Transactions are conducted with formal contracts, providing security

• On-site inspection and interviews are conducted before listing

• Wide access to buyers and sellers across Indonesia

• No listing fees

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for same-day transactions

• Requires preparation of information (photos, specifications), which takes time

Customer Testimonials

“We were able to sell equipment that had been sitting in our warehouse for years through Asset Bank. What we initially expected to dispose of at a cost ended up generating positive returns, with minimal effort required.”
(West Java – Japanese-affiliated company)

“We were concerned about potential disputes when negotiating directly with buyers. Asset Bank acted as an intermediary, so we did not need to negotiate directly or adjust conditions ourselves. The process felt fair and secure.”
(West Java – Japanese-affiliated company)

“We thought we would have to import from Japan at more than double the cost. We were very pleased to find a machine in excellent condition available locally in Indonesia.”
(West Java – Japanese-affiliated company)

How to Sell Through Asset Bank

1. Our staff will visit to inspect and photograph the machine.
   During the visit, we will collect necessary information. In many cases, most details can be confirmed from the machine’s nameplate.

2. If there is interest from a potential buyer, we will arrange a machine inspection meeting if necessary.

3. Sales contract execution

4. Arrangement of transportation (we can also arrange this if required)

5. Delivery and payment

For Those Looking to Purchase

If you are interested in purchasing, please contact us.

You may also request machinery not currently listed on the platform. We can assist in sourcing equipment for you.

Depending on the region, support may be provided via online meetings.

Conclusion: Which Method Should You Choose?

• Speed is the top priority → Direct company-to-company transaction

• Minimal effort → Used machinery purchasing company

• Small equipment → Tokopedia

• Large equipment or mid- to long-term sales → Asset Bank

The optimal method for buying and selling used industrial machinery differs from company to company. Whether you prioritize speed, price, selection, or safety, it is important to evaluate the method that best suits your needs before proceeding.

We invite you to consider Asset Bank as one of your options.

Listings are free, and requests to search for specific machinery are also free. Even if your plans are not yet finalized, feel free to contact us for consultation.