Used Generators for Sale by Owner: Warning Signs
Beware: all used generators are not equal. In fact, when you see used generators for sale by owner, you could be looking at a seriously sub-par piece of equipment. Used generators like the ones we have at Woodstock Power, however, come with guarantees, very little hours of use and all of the additional services required when installing a generator.
What Do You Risk When Buying Used Generators for Sale by Owner?
While we’ve already discussed the risks of scanning Craigslist for used generators, used generators for sale by owner can also present similar risks. If you’re not purchasing from a trusted professional like Woodstock Power, you’ll want to look out for these warning signs:
It’s been used a lot.
When you’re looking for a used generator for sale by owner, you’ll want to check the number of hours logged on the equipment. Many brands of generators have odometers that make it easy for you to easily check the usage, but if the one you’re considering doesn’t, you will be relying on the seller to give you accurate information. This can be risky if you don’t know the seller so make sure that you ask lots of questions and pass on any generators that have lots of hours backlogged.
You’ve never heard of the brand.
Just like when you buy a new car, you’ll want to research brands and models of generators before making your purchase. If the used generator for sale by owner is from a brand you’ve never heard of or one that seems to have bad reviews, it’s probably not worth your time.
At Woodstock Power, we sell brands that you can trust, including:
- Caterpillar
- Cummins
- Onan
- John Deere
- Olympian
Make sure you do your research before shopping. You can always reach out to one of Woodstock Power’s representatives to help you find the best fit for your business.
It looks worn out.
The physical condition of a generator can tell you a lot. When looking at used generator for sale by owner, you can eliminate certain options just by looking at the ad. Did the current owner include good quality photos and lots of information about the generator being sold? If they didn’t, there is probably something wrong with it.
The seller is not an expert.
Can the seller answer all your questions about the used generator for sale? When you’re purchasing a used generator, you’ll want to learn as much about the history of the product as you can. At Woodstock Power, we can tell you how the generator has been cared for, when it was purchased, and how well it works. If the owner that is selling the used generator has trouble explaining what the generator was used for, how the equipment was cared for, or how often it was serviced, it’s not the generator for you.