Selling the Unsellable: How We Found a Buyer for a One-of-a-Kind Research Machine

Here at Asset Disposal Services, our job is to secure the best possible return for our clients – no matter how niche, complex, or obscure the machinery in question may be- quietly and efficiently, allowing you to concentrate on your core activities. A recent sale to a Norwegian buyer has showcased everything we stand for: persistence, strategy, attention to detail, and above all, results!

This particular project involved an Evodos 50A Dynamic Settler: an ultra-specialised piece of equipment used in bioprocessing research. Only a handful have ever been manufactured. As far as we know, there had never been a used sale of one before.

So how do you find a buyer for a machine that no-one is actively looking for?

Here’s how we did it.

1. Supporting a Client With No Sales Experience

Our client is a UK research organisation, not a commercial operator. When their project ended, they had no in-house experience of machinery disposal. That’s where we came in – not just to sell the asset, but to provide a structured, professional process that could be used not only for this asset, but for any asset going forward, as the client retires assets reasonably regularly.

We handled everything, from imaging, videography and technical data gathering to marketing, negotiation, invoicing, and customs.

2. Data-Driven Marketing – Built From Scratch

We knew there would be no point in placing this machine in an online auction. It was simply too specialised and niche.

Instead, we:

• Created a high-quality brochure with images and detailed specifications.
• Built a custom database of potential buyers across Europe and the East – comprising organisations active in algae separation, biotechnology, and advanced research.
• Circulated the brochure multiple times and listed the machine on our website.

It didn’t sell overnight – but it stayed in front of the right people.

3. Patience Paid Off: A Buyer From Norway Emerges

After about 12 months online, the right buyer – a Norwegian firm – noticed the listing and made contact.

We entered negotiations, advised our client throughout, and ultimately received an acceptable offer. We raised the invoice, ensured funds were received into our client bank account, and prepared the collection and export paperwork.

4. Export Success and VAT Recovery

Our involvement didn’t stop at the sale. We:

• Supported the buyer with export documentation.
• Received official proof of export from Norway, enabling us to repay the VAT back to the buyer, keeping everything clean and compliant.

The net proceeds were released to our client, who received full value – which exceeded their expectations – with minimal effort on their part.

A Case That Sums Up What We Do Best

This wasn’t just a transaction. It was a problem solved, a market created, and a value delivered – all for an asset that might otherwise have been scrapped.

‘This project shows that, with sufficient time, we can secure significant realisations for our clients – even in sectors where we – and indeed others – have minimal or no prior experience.’

That’s the Asset Disposal Services approach: thoughtful, targeted, and trustworthy. If your organisation has equipment at the end of a project lifecycle – no matter how niche – talk to us first.

We will never guarantee a sale, but will guarantee, that we will work very hard to create one.