During my (15) years in the business I have seen some very slime ball deals in the used equipment business via the internet. This has only become worse over the years with all of the e-commerce marketing and machinery websites.

Back in 2003 when I was a (PSSR), I met a guy who was looking for a forklift; I referred him to my new truck salesman. The guy wanted something for nothing. As I recall he only wanted to spend $6,000.00 on a 5,000 lb. cushion tired warehouse unit. He found one over the internet, for $5,000.00 delivered to Phoenix, AZ. The guy calls me to tell me it will not hold a charge, I send my battery company out to his location, bad battery too many bad cells, 48 volt, back then the battery was $5500.00 He cried like a baby. He bought a unit with a very, very nice paint job, only to have a bad battery with (No warranty implied)

When I look at some kind of code of ethics, or policy of ethics, I think to myself (give me a break) really people, lets look at this for a moment.
A very wise man in Las Vegas, NV told me once that several people talk about customer service, Honesty, Integrity, and Empathy, but its a whole different story, when the rubber money hits the pavement running.

I have been in this business (15) years, I do not know it all, nor claim to! What I know for a fact is that 60% of the used equipment only dealers within North America are in fact shady. Fact #2 is that 75% of the equipment that is wholesaled off a (Dealers) yard is total junk!!!!! Beyond repair, bent overhead guards, cracked frames, bent mast, excessive mast wear, smoking engine, jacked up steer axle, cracked block, slipping transmission, etc. The list goes on. There is a reason dealers wholesale off junk units, its a lost cause. Again, not all units are a total loss, I know I have had to get rid of some really nice units to clean up the rental fleet or aged inventory. But that happens once in a pink moon.

But then what does one do with this underserved market of something for nothing people???? I mean lets really look at this for a moment!!! A new 5,000 lb. Pneumatic tired, LPG, name brand forklift depending on brand is around $34,000 +/- ok. So one with common since, would think a great used unit from an OEM Dealer would cost around $18,500.00 +/-
This is where all the bottom feeders come in at $9500.00 for a unit thats (5) years of age with 9000+ hours on it, but wait, it has new tires and new paint and decals. Ohhhhhh, and its reconditioned!!!!! Mr. Customer. Really????

I love having those conversations with people as a commissioned salesman; first off, I do not want that type of stupid business. If someone does not really understand what the word (RECONDITIONED MEANS) then they truly deserve what they get. I just go about my marry way and find me some smart business to capitalize on.

My point would be that, at the end of the day, some people are meant for one another. The guy who wants something for nothing and the used equipment hack that puts new tires and paint and tells the guy its (RECONDITIONED)
I personally know a few used equipment bottom feeders who have been sued in court for using the word (RECONDITIONED) on an invoice!!!!!

YOU CANNOT FIX STUPID!!!! STUPID IS FOREEVER!!!!