How to Sell Your Used Janitorial Equipment Fast
An auto-scrubber sitting unused in storage is just depreciating cash. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or closing up shop, here's how to actually sell commercial cleaning equipment quickly instead of letting it collect dust for another year.
Price It to Actually Sell
Used commercial cleaning equipment in working condition typically sells for 40-60% of its original price, depending on age and condition. Pricing right at that range — not at what you paid, and not what a brand-new model costs today — is what actually moves a listing. Overpriced used equipment sits for months; a fairly priced listing usually sells within weeks.
Take Photos That Actually Sell It
- Shoot in good lighting — natural daylight or a well-lit shop, not a dim storage closet.
- Show it from multiple angles — front, side, and any wear spots, so buyers aren't surprised in person.
- Include a close-up of the brand/model plate — buyers searching for a specific model (like a Tennant or Advance scrubber) want to confirm it's the real thing.
- Show it powered on if possible — a photo of the display lit up or brushes spinning reassures buyers it actually works.
Write a Description Buyers Actually Trust
Be specific rather than vague. "Works great" tells a buyer nothing; "Runs for about 3 hours per charge, brushes replaced 6 months ago, minor scuff on the side panel" tells them exactly what they're getting and builds the trust that gets a listing sold instead of ignored. Mention hours of use if you know them, not just age — a lightly used 5-year-old machine is a better sell than a heavily used 1-year-old one.
Common Reasons Listings Don't Sell
- Priced too close to new-equipment cost
- Few or blurry photos
- No mention of condition, hours, or maintenance history
- Missing details buyers search for — brand, model number, tank size
Ready to List It?
Posting a listing on JanitorialMarket is free — reach cleaning business owners actively looking for equipment like yours.
Post Your Free Listing →Frequently Asked Questions
Generally 40-60% of the original purchase price, adjusted down for heavy wear or missing accessories, and adjusted up for recent maintenance or low hours of use.
No — most used commercial equipment sales are as-is. Being upfront about condition and any known issues protects you from disputes better than an informal warranty would.
Brand, model, hours of use or age, battery/motor condition, and any recent parts replacement — these are the details that separate a quick sale from a listing that sits.
Yes — a clean machine photographs better and signals it's been cared for, which builds buyer confidence before they even read the description.
Related Guides
General guidance based on typical marketplace patterns — actual resale value depends on brand, condition, and local demand.