Second-hand horticultural equipment is currently popular: recycling, reusing, reinventing… all the things that are considered normal nowadays. But we understand if you don’t feel completely at ease with the term “Second-hand.” Robbert Duijndam, a professional in used machines, answers below the three most frequently asked questions he often hears within his company.
Founded in 1970 in Nieuwerkerk a/d Ijssel, the company Duijndam Machines specialises in the sale of second-hand agricultural and especially horticultural machinery, and is today recognised as an important, international player in the purchase and sale of used machines. The company is more than just a commercial platform whose market knowledge and technical skills are often limited; the company claims to be an expert and acts accordingly. Four dedicated buyers travel the world in search of machines that meet their critical standards. All purchases are then inspected, overhauled, and tested in Duijndam Machines’ own storage facilities in the Netherlands.
Throughout Europe and even outside Europe’s boundaries, but certainly in the United Kingdom, Duijndam Machines has seen its activities grow in recent years. Robbert: “We buy and sell more machines in this market, where there is a clear interest in second-hand equipment. “Why pay the full price when you can get the performance and quality while minimizing risks and paying only a fraction of the new price?”
Since 2020, the family business has been led by two brothers, Robbert and Maurijn Duijndam, who succeeded their father Bert. Since then, they have greatly developed remote transactions by using modern technologies. “Originally, we were a horticultural producer. In addition to field vegetables, we have always had a passion for automation, mechanics, and technological innovation. We know that equipment is a significant investment, especially during a cultural or strategic reorientation. Finding, inspecting, and then finding a new buyer for used equipment adds another dimension: we aim to meet businesses’ actual needs and guide them in their development by using existing resources!”
Below are the three questions we most frequently hear.
“Is there a target group willing to make a purchase based on just photos, videos, or video conferencing?”
A relevant and recurring question! However, it is clear that this is becoming more common due to the scarcity of machines and the long distance between the supplier and the buyer. With modern communication options, we can provide customers with a pretty good idea of the machines remotely. The first purchase may be a bit exciting, but returning customers know that we have a strict purchasing policy, ensuring that they receive only high-quality machines.
The digitized transaction is facilitated by the seller offering this option: “At Duijndam Machines, we use a range of contemporary communication technologies and naturally emphasize quality and transaction guarantees.
“How are the machines transported?”
Duijndam Machines has an extensive network of reliable transporters and ensures delivery of the equipment to its new destination if necessary. “We guide our customers from their needs to the transaction and delivery. Our service must be impeccable. This is also the philosophy of the company: to provide a real solution and be part of a safer production chain. We deliver to Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom or even the USA!
As for installation, this is often entrusted to local service providers in consultation with the buyer to ensure further management and maintenance.”
“Who buys used machines?”
As a rule, large organizations with larger budgets naturally opt for new equipment, except perhaps for a testing phase. In addition, many small and medium-sized businesses seek out used machines because they are significantly cheaper and meet their needs well. The second-hand machine market varies widely in different countries, as Robbert explains, “In the United Kingdom, for example, the second-hand market is quite dynamic, perhaps due to banks’ reluctance to lend, which reduces the investment budgets of horticultural companies.” In the Netherlands, banks generally still guarantee the buyer, who may choose to borrow money for the purchase of new equipment. But even under these circumstances, the use of second-hand machines is often considered. This solution can be interesting for various reasons, and I personally think that this will only increase in the coming years. Everyone is now asking themselves: why buy new when we can reuse it?” Ultimately, Duijndam Machines proved to be a unique operator in the European vegetable and horticultural sectors.
In terms of supply, technical expertise, quality assurance, and service: here is an address where – even without having to travel – “a whole world of second-hand machines is available to professionals in the sector!”