Sweeney Kincaid

Sweeney Kincaid works the Scottish end of the business-asset market from a seven-acre purpose-built auction centre at Hillington in Glasgow. It positions itself around the valuation and sale of surplus equipment, trade stocks and vehicles, and maintains a buyer database it markets internationally — which for a seller is the pitch, and for a buyer means the competition is not only local.

What you can buy

• Vehicles: monthly online sales covering cars and commercials.
• Surplus business equipment from companies downsizing or closing.
• Trade stock sold in lots.
• Plant and machinery from Scottish industry.

How the bidding works

The vehicle auctions run to a fixed rhythm — online, on the last Thursday of every month — which makes them easy to plan around, unlike operators whose calendars move. Business-asset sales run separately as each consignment arrives. Registration is required, and the site keeps a section of closed unsold lots, which is a useful place to make an offer on something that did not meet its reserve.

What to check before you bid

The monthly cadence is the thing to build around: miss the last Thursday and the next opportunity is four weeks away. Check the closed-unsold section before assuming a lot is gone. Goods are sold as they stand from the Glasgow centre, so factor Scottish haulage into anything bulky, and confirm what documentation accompanies a vehicle before bidding rather than after.