How to Use an Equipment Bill of Sale
1. Ensure Authenticity
Before agreeing to purchase, ask the seller for the equipment’s serial number. Then call the manufacturer to see if the serial number matches a record to verify authenticity. Also, it’s a good idea to see if the item is reported stolen by searching the database of Stolen Register. When completing the equipment bill of sale, be sure to include the serial number within.
Once you have verified that the equipment is authentic, you want to make sure that you are buying from the actual owner. This can be done by asking for the original purchase receipt and/or bill of sale. If there was financing involved to buy the equipment, ask for those documents as well. It’s important to know that the equipment is fully paid off.
2. Functioning Equipment & Inspection
After completing the authenticity check, give the equipment a good test run to confirm that it’s working properly. If the equipment is expensive and consists of complex machinery, it’s also recommended to hire an inspector to complete an inspection before a purchase is made. Even though inspections can be costly if the equipment is damaged or in poor condition – knowing this can save you money off the purchase price by using the information as negotiating leverage.
3. Finalize Sale
When paying an authorized seller or reseller of equipment, there is little to be worried about when it comes to payment. If buying on popular platforms such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, consider only accepting cash as a payment option to decrease the chances of being scammed. Bring two copies of a completed bill of sale to the closing, one for the seller and the other for the buyer.
Before signing, check the following information below to be certain that it’s included in the bill of sale:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Serial Number
- Name of Buyer and Seller
- Purchase Price ($)
- Date of Transfer