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February 17th 2026

How to buy second-hand medical equipment with Hilditch Group

Purchasing second-hand medical equipment requires confidence in quality, compliance and value. Hilditch Group offers a trusted and transparent buying process, supported by expert engineering, multiple purchasing routes and more than 35 years of market experience.

Multiple ways to purchase equipment

While we’re known for our auctions, we offer several routes to purchase medical equipment, allowing buyers to choose the option that best suits their needs. Equipment is available via live webcast auctions, timed online auctions, private sale and our online retail store. This flexible approach ensures access to a wide range of equipment and purchasing options, from competitive bidding to fixed-price, immediate purchase.

If you’re unsure which route to purchase is right for you, our experienced team is on hand to guide you. With access to an extensive sales database and more than 35 years’ experience as Europe’s leading medical equipment reseller, our team has unrivalled market knowledge and can provide informed guidance throughout the buying process.

Quality assurance from our in-house medical engineers

All equipment sold through Hilditch Group is supported by the expertise of our highly qualified in-house medical engineers. With extensive experience across a wide range of healthcare sectors, our engineers test, inspect, repair and upgrade medical equipment to ensure it meets expected standards.

Many items are accompanied by a detailed condition report, giving buyers clarity and confidence before purchase. Additional reports can be provided on request, depending on your requirements.

Secure handling and transport

 All equipment handled by Hilditch Group benefits from a controlled and professional logistics process. Items are safely and securely transported to our warehouse, preserving condition throughout transport, inspection, cataloguing and storage. To learn more about the importance of transport when selling medical equipment, read our blog: The importance of specialist transport for second-hand medical equipment.

Data security and compliance

Before any equipment is sold, our in-house medical engineers carry out a thorough data-wiping process to ensure all confidential patient information is removed. This guarantees compliance with data protection legislation and industry standards.

Our team is Cyber Essentials Plus certified, ISO27001 compliant with HMG Infosec Standard 5 (High Standard). Where necessary, equipment may also be repaired, calibrated and reassessed before sale.

A simple process to buy at auction

To purchase equipment via auction the process is simple and quick. Buyers must register for an account in advance and once registered, can place a bid right away.

We offer three primary purchasing formats:

  • Live webcast auctions: real-time auctions hosted monthly by our auctioneers, accessible both in person and online.
  • Timed online auctions: bidding remains open throughout the sales period, with the highest bidder at the close securing the item.
  • Online retail store: fixed price purchases through our online retail store, with no auction wait time.

Buyers are welcome to inspect lots in person prior to bidding which can be arranged by contacting our team. Equipment is located at our Malmesbury showroom unless otherwise stated.

Buyers may place commission bids prior to the beginning of a live webcast, indicating the maximum amount they are willing to pay. During live auctions, bids can be placed in real time, while timed auctions allow bids to be submitted at any point until the sale closes.

A buyer’s premium of 22.5% is charged on the hammer price for all auction purchases. Local VAT or sales tax will also apply to both the hammer price and the buyer’s premium. Full terms and conditions are available in our Buying FAQs.

Buying through our retail store

Our online retail store offers a carefully curated selection of new and refurbished, pre-owned medical equipment, all available for immediate purchase at a fixed price.

Every retail item is inspected and approved by our in-house medical engineers and many items come with a three-month warranty for added peace of mind. Optional services include packing, domestic shipping, installation and ongoing maintenance.

To purchase from the retail store, simply add items to your basket and complete the checkout process. Registration can be completed during checkout if required. Payment can be made online by card or upon collection.

We have a selection of devices available, and our retail store inventory is continually refreshed. If you’re searching for a specific item that isn’t listed on our retail store, get in touch – our team is happy to assist.

Retail purchases require a separate account from auction purchases. If you’re already registered with Hilditch Group, creating a new account for the retail store only takes a moment, you just need a national ID or passport. All accounts are typically verified within 60 seconds.

Payments, collection and logistics

Following the close of an auction, you will receive an invoice outlining lots won and associated hammer values. Payment must be made in full within five working days and can be completed via bank transfer, debit card, business credit card or cash.

We accept cash payments of up to £8,000 per invoice. Cash payments must be arranged in advance and supported by valid identification.

All auction lots are sold ‘as seen’ and are generally not packaged. Buyers may arrange their own packaging upon collection, or our team can provide appropriate packaging for an additional fee.

Items must be collected within five working days of the auction date. Late collection charges apply after this period. Collections must be booked in advance and take place during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Further details can be found in our Paying & Collections FAQs.

Buy with confidence

With Hilditch Group, you can purchase medical equipment with complete confidence that you’re receiving quality equipment at the best possible value. Whether buying through auction or our retail store, our trusted, compliant and transparent approach ensures a seamless and secure experience.

Looking to purchase second-hand medical equipment through Hilditch Group? Check out our upcoming auctions or explore our retail store.

Accreditations
45001 Certified For Health & Safety Management
ISO 9001 Quality Management accreditation
ISO 14001 Certified For Environment Management
ISO 13485 Certified For Medical Devices Quality Management
Cyber Essentials Plus certified