We get it. If you've never bought at auction before, the whole thing can feel like a gamble. You've probably heard the horror stories — mystery boxes, hidden damage, no recourse, buyer's remorse. We want to address those fears head-on, because at Redfield Group, we've spent over 20 years building a process specifically designed to protect the buyer. Here's what we hear most, and here's the truth.
"I'm Buying Blind — I Have No Idea What Condition It's In"
This is the biggest one. The idea of "sight-unseen" buying feels reckless, and honestly — it should. Nobody should drop serious money on a piece of equipment they haven't laid eyes on. This fear is completely valid.
Which is exactly why we don't operate that way.
Every auction at Redfield Group includes an in-person preview period before bidding closes. You can walk the yard, put your hands on the equipment, start it up, inspect it top to bottom — whatever you need to feel confident. Our facility in Gadsden is open and our team is on-site to answer questions. You are never buying blind here. Never.
Beyond the preview, every lot is professionally photographed by our operations team — multiple angles, close-ups on hours meters, attachments, and any notable wear. You'll see exactly what you're bidding on before you ever set foot on our lot.
"The Equipment Is Beaten Up, End-of-Life Junk"
People assume auctions are where bad equipment goes to die. And sure — some auction houses do operate that way. If you're used to seeing auctions full of mystery pallets and run-down machinery, that skepticism is earned.
A significant portion of our inventory is unused, brand-new equipment direct from manufacturer — including our full line of 2025 ZJZ mini excavators, skid steer loaders, and attachments shipped directly from China. These machines have never turned a key in the field. When we sell used equipment, condition is clearly noted in every lot description, and you've already seen it in person at preview.
We auction approximately 700 lots every 45 days. The volume allows us to bring in quality inventory at scale — not scraps. Our reputation depends on what we put in front of bidders, and we take that seriously.
"I'll Accidentally Bid Too High and Get Stuck With a Bad Deal"
The fast pace of auction bidding can feel intimidating. People worry they'll get caught up in the moment, overbid, and end up paying more than something is worth — with no way out.
Our online auction format gives you complete control. You set your max bid, you bid at your own pace, and you can research prices before you ever click a button. There's no auctioneer pressure, no crowd energy pushing you higher, and no snap decisions. You bid when you're ready, at the number you've decided is right for you.
And if you're not sure what something is worth? Come to preview and ask. Justin and our team have deep expertise in heavy equipment valuation — we'll help you understand what you're looking at and what the market looks like. We'd rather you bid smart than overbid and regret it.
"I Won't Know What I'm Getting Until It's Too Late to Ask Questions"
Some bidders feel like auction companies are unreachable — just a website, a catalog, and a deadline. Questions go unanswered. Details are vague. You're on your own.
Redfield Group is a family-owned operation — not a faceless platform. When you call, a real person answers. Our team includes dedicated operations staff who can walk you through any lot in detail, pull additional photos, provide weight specs, clarify descriptions, and help you make an informed decision. We've been doing this since 2001 and our business runs on repeat bidders. We want your experience to be good enough that you come back every 45 days.
"Auction Companies Are Hard to Trust — What If Something Goes Wrong?"
Trust is everything in this business, and we know it has to be earned. A bad experience with one auction house can make a buyer gun-shy for years.
Redfield Group is a licensed, bonded auction firm and a member in good standing with both the National Auctioneers Association and the Alabama Auctioneers Association. Our founder, Mike Fisher, is the incoming President of the NAA — the top professional body in American auctioneering. Our staff holds designations including CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute), Certified Estate Specialists, and Auction Technology Specialists. We operate with the highest professional and ethical standards in the industry — because our name is on every single auction we run.
We've conducted over 300 auctions across 40+ states. Buyers from more than 10 countries have purchased through our platform. That track record isn't built on one-time transactions — it's built on people coming back because they were treated right.
"The best auction experience is one where you leave feeling like you got a fair deal on something you know exactly what it is. That's the only kind we're interested in running."