Ritchie Bros., the world’s largest heavy equipment auctioneer, said its recent partnership with leading Kuwait-based auction house, Q8 Auctions, has driven online auction sales in the Middle East and Africa region to new heights.

 

The partnership come sclose on the heels of the Ritchie Bros. pivot in March last year from live in-person auctions to an entirely online auction format; a transition accelerated due to pandemic lockdowns. 

 

These record online auction results are proof of widespread customer acceptance of online auctions and evidence they can be an effective solution to mitigate the effects of pandemic lockdowns, said the statement from the top auctioneer.

 

As part of the long-term agreement, Ritchie Bros. provides its range of multichannel online auction solutions and access to a global audience of buyers to Q8 Auctions. 

 

In return, the Kuwait City company, a division of Masaha Global, provides on-the-ground customer assistance and access to its extensive network of buyers and sellers throughout the country.

 

"Our partnership is a good example of how companies in different Gulf nations can collaborate to create mutually beneficial solutions; not only to address challenges brought on by the pandemic, but also to provide local business owners with more effective and borderless disposition services," remarked Eduard Faig, Regional Sales Manager at Ritchie Bros. MEA. "It can lead to stronger results," he added.

 

Faced with border closures and travel restrictions, Q8 Auctions had to quickly implement a new online selling method since buyers were unable to fly into Kuwait City for an extended period. 

 

Largely due to the Kuwait deal, Ritchie Bros. Dubai quarterly auction held last month set three new company records for its May-June auctions, including

•The highest number of registered bidders - a 26% increase over the same auction last year

•Highest number of new bidders

•Highest number of new buyers

 

In total, 322 pieces of Kuwait-based equipment, including generators, light towers, trucks, cranes, wheel loaders, and ADTs, were sold to buyers across the region. Particularly strong performing categories at the auction were truck tractors, wheel loaders, rough terrain cranes and water trucks.

 

The next Dubai online Timed Auction with hundreds of equipment items for sale – including items sold from Kuwait - will take place in September, with bidding opening on September 21, 2021, and ending at staggered times on September 28 and 29.