Specialized equipment as good as new, but at a lower cost

Founded in 1970 in Nieuwerkerk a/d Ijssel, the company Duijndam Machines specializes in the resale of agricultural and especially horticultural machinery, and is now recognized as a major international player in the buying and selling of used machinery. Much more than a commercial platform, often limited in market knowledge and technical skills, the company claims expertise and lives up to it. Four dedicated buyers travel the world in search of machines that meet specific standards. Subsequently, all acquisitions are inspected, revised, and tested in Duijndam Machines' own warehouses in the Netherlands.

The United Kingdom in particular, but also in the rest of Europe, Duijndam machines markets have seen its activities evolve in recent years. Robbert: "We buy and sell more machines in this market, where there is a clear interest in used equipment. After all, why pay the full price when you can access performance and quality while minimizing risks and paying only a fraction of the new price?"

Since 2020, the family business has been led by the two brothers Robbert and Maurijn Duijndam, who succeeded their father Bert. They have significantly developed remote transactions, leveraging modern technologies. "Originally, we were horticultural producers. In addition to field vegetables, we have always had a passion for automation, mechanics, and technical innovation. We know that equipment represents a significant investment, especially during a shift in cultivation or strategy. Discovering, inspecting, and then finding a new buyer for used equipment adds another dimension: we strive to address the real needs of companies and support them in their development while using existing resources!"

The broad expert team of Duijndam Machines. Duijndam Machines grew from market gardeners to an international, secondhand machine supplier.

Rapid Changes in the market for Agri- and Horticultural Machinery

What has been observed at Duijndam Machines is that the Corona pandemic has significantly transformed the playing field. Online purchases and sales were already on the rise in the agriculture and gardening industry, but the lockdowns have immensely accelerated this trend.

Duijndam Machines sells its equipment worldwide, even though the machines can only be viewed at their warehouse in the Netherlands. However, for most buyers, this isn't an issue, as Robbert notes: "Duijndam Machines has such a good reputation that we only sometimes experience a certain hesitation with new buyers, but all subsequent purchases are always made with confidence online."

The listings of Duijndam Machines are described in great detail, including text, images, and videos. Is that still not enough? Then a video call can also be arranged to inspect the machine more closely. This way, even from a distance, one knows exactly what the machine looks like. Nevertheless, there are a few questions that frequently arise at Duijndam Machines, and Robbert is happy to address them here.

1. Is there really a customer base willing to make a purchase solely based on a photo, a video, or a video call?

A relevant and recurring question! However, it's worth noting that due to the scarcity of machines and the significant distance between the supplier and the buyer, this is becoming an increasingly common practice. The dealer facilitates the digitalization of the process by offering this option: "At Duijndam Machines, we utilize a variety of contemporary communication technologies and naturally emphasize quality assurance and transactions."

2. How are the machines shipped?

Duijndam Machines has an extensive network of trusted transport services and, when necessary, takes care of delivering the equipment to its new destination. "We guide our customers from needs assessment to transaction and delivery. Our service must be impeccable. That's also the company's philosophy: to provide a real solution and thus fit into a more secure production chain. We deliver to Eastern Europe, Canada, or Sicily! Assembly is often handed over to local service providers in consultation with the buyer to ensure future support and maintenance."

3. Who buys used machinery?

Logically, larger organizations with higher budgets opt for new equipment, except perhaps for testing phases. Additionally, many small and medium-sized enterprises seek used machinery as they are significantly more affordable and align well with their requirements. "In the DACH regions, the used market is quite dynamic, possibly due to banks' reluctance to lend, which reduces investment budgets for horticultural companies. In the Netherlands, banks usually still back the buyer, who might then borrow money for new equipment purchases. But even under these conditions, the question of the used market is often addressed. This solution can be interesting for various reasons, and personally, I believe this trend will only intensify in the coming years. Everyone is currently asking themselves: 'Why buy new when you can reuse?'"

Ultimately, Duijndam Machines proves to be a unique player in the vegetable and horticultural sectors in Europe. In terms of offerings, technical expertise, quality assurance, and service, it's an address where a world of used machinery opens up for industry professionals—even without needing to move 😉!

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