If you’re a contractor, farmer, or business owner in Nebraska with equipment sitting unused, consignment is one of the easiest ways to turn that iron into income. But a question we hear often at Grizzly Equipment Brokers is:
“How much does it actually cost to use a broker?”
The short answer: it depends on your goals, your equipment, and your expectations.
Let’s break it down so you can decide if consignment is worth it—and spoiler alert, in most cases, it absolutely is.
What Is an Equipment Broker Commission?
When you consign heavy equipment through a broker, you’re essentially partnering with someone who markets and sells your machine for you. The broker does all the legwork—listing, promoting, negotiating, and closing the deal—so you don’t have to.
In exchange, the broker earns a commission when the equipment sells. But how that commission is structured can vary.
The Most Common Fee Structure
At Grizzly Equipment Brokers, we use a simple, transparent model that’s easy for sellers to understand:
Flat Owner Price + Broker Commission
You, the seller, set the minimum amount you’re willing to take for your machine—let’s say $50,000 for a wheel loader.
We then market the machine at a competitive retail value—maybe $54,500—and anything above your $50,000 becomes our commission.
So if the machine sells at $54,500:
- You receive your agreed $50,000
- We earn $4,500 as commission
You get what you need. We earn what we work for. Everyone wins.
This approach encourages us to push for a higher sale price—because the more we sell it for, the more you make and the more we make.
What Is the Average Equipment Broker Commission?
Nationally, equipment broker commissions typically range from 6% to 12%, depending on:
- The type of equipment
- Market demand
- Listing difficulty
- Whether transport and storage are involved
What We Charge at Grizzly Equipment Brokers
At Grizzly Equipment Brokers, our standard commission rate is 9% of the sale price. This includes:
- Market research and price guidance
- Professional photos and listings
- Marketing on high-traffic platforms like Machinery Trader, Facebook Marketplace, and more
- Fielding buyer calls and inquiries
- Handling paperwork, inspections, and logistics
That 9% helps cover all the behind-the-scenes work needed to sell your machine for top dollar—and save you the stress.
Every Agreement Is Negotiable
We know every piece of equipment—and every seller—is different.
That’s why our commission structure is always negotiable. If you’ve got a fleet of machines, or you’re working with tight margins, let’s talk. We’ll work with you to find something that feels fair for both sides.
Our goal has always been simple:
To make deals both the seller and the broker would gladly do again.
We want every sale to feel worth it for our sellers, not just from a financial standpoint, but from a time and energy perspective too.
Is the Cost Worth It?
Ask yourself:
- Do you have time to field 20+ messages from tire-kickers?
- Are you comfortable negotiating with strangers?
- Can you market your machine to buyers across Nebraska—and beyond?
If the answer is no, that 9% starts looking like a bargain.
We’ve sold machines faster, for more money, and with less hassle than most private sellers can on their own. For many Nebraska contractors in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas, our service pays for itself—many times over.
Final Thoughts
Using an equipment broker is about more than just avoiding the hassle. It’s about getting more eyes on your machine, negotiating with confidence, and closing with peace of mind.
At Grizzly Equipment Brokers, we’re committed to making sure every sale is fair, profitable, and painless—for both you and us.
Thinking about selling your equipment?
Contact us today for a free evaluation—and let’s make your next sale your easiest one yet.