EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Spare Parts ***Wanted***dialysis Bbraun Dialog+

Sounds like a sensible plan, Neil.

By the way, your new tag-line reminds me of happy days in a certain Desert Kingdom, for some reason.

Meanwhile, I notice that Naveen has left the "Far East" off his list!

I know the auctions at Malmesbury and I often attend their live auctions (can't be there physically because I don't know if I've already told you but I'm from France yay).
I don't who their audience is, but the prices there go too high so often not affordable.

Back in the days when I used to attend ...

There was a guy called François who generally came across each month (often quite a "big spender", too), as well as folk sometimes turning up from places like Belgium and Germany! I recall meeting African guys there, too. Usually doctors wanting to send stuff "home".

The on-line auctions may well attract "silly" bids, but at the actual (proper?) auctions there were often many bargains to be had if "sensible" folk were in attendence (and didn't start getting too excited).

My own interest(s) used to be in "junk" equipment (sometimes collected into lots) as a source of "good, used" parts. And I only bid at "pocket money" levels (for junk that no-one else wanted, anyway).

The audience? Back then it was mainly "dealers". From what I could tell, British-based but selling into markets similar to (or the same as) the ones mentioned earlier. As well as, of course, the "charities" crowd.

There may be folk willing to attend the auctions on your behalf; but to be honest, you can't beat attending in person. A monthly social gathering ... or pilgrimage, even.

Sorry when I said live auctions, I meant online auction.
I never went there, but when I see the final prices of some items, I'm wondering if attending in person is worth it.
Will certainly meet some of these folks at Medica next week in Hilditch's booth :-)

Yes, it would generally be worth it (if only for the "experience", and the opportunity to meet "like-minded" folk); although I realise you have to factor in travelling expenses, use of a van etc.

Have a chat with Mike there; who knows, you may be able to work something out.

And please convey my Best Regards (although that may not help, LOL).

Hi,

All of our kit goes to Hilditch auctions. Potential for some Dialog+ equipment over the next 5 months. I'll PM you, if and when they go, so you can monitor the auction.

No chance of you donating a few, then, Garry?

Afraid not. Something we regularly did many years ago. Unfortunately, Trust policy is that all kit goes out of the door via Hilditch now.

I just came back from Medica and met with some lovely folks from Hilditch. I had a little chat with them but didn't met any other "dealers" there.
Our booth was crowded with people from all over the world looking for second hand market machines.

@Garry ... I've got nothing against disposing kit via auctions (and anything is better than simply binning good kit, in my view), but I think it would be better if there were more alternatives (more auction houses, or other options).

I've got absolutely nothing against Mike Hilditch and his Merry Band, by the way, but simply believe that competiton is healthy for all concerned. For example, I wonder why the NHS doesn't have its own auctions ... or better still, its own Equipment Donation Centre (or "Clearance House")?

I'll admit to being "out of the loop" these days, but there used to be a few other equipment auctions, but I'm not sure if they have stood the test of time. Hopefully someone will come on here and update us (me).

The trouble from the "charity" point of view is that they are bidding against dealers - and, almost by definition, charities (of the type I imagine) are generally a bit strapped for cash!

So, it they're not careful, folk involved in sending kit to those in need around the world end up being "fund raisers", instead of "kit fixers" (van drivers, container packers, and what-have-you).