Source observation
Who published it, what was shown and when it was checked.
Independent machine-market reference
Price is not one number.
A public machine listing, a dealer quote, a completed transaction and an appraisal answer different questions. This glossary separates the evidence so buyers and sellers can make cleaner comparisons.
Read evidence in order
The machine-market evidence ladder
Reliable machine research moves from a dated observation toward a purpose-specific result. Each step adds information; none should be silently assumed.
Exact machine
Year, model, serial number, control, options and location.
Condition and status
Inspection, operating state, maintenance and availability.
Market context
Comparable units, timing, geography and transaction terms.
Purpose-specific result
Range, estimate, offer, appraisal or production-ready cost.
Precise language
Machine price and value definitions
These terms are intentionally distinct. Treating them as synonyms creates false certainty.
Source record
A dated record of information presented by a cited public source. It shows what was observed, not whether every statement was independently verified.
Active source state
The originating source appeared to present the record as active when last checked. Verify with the source before relying on availability.
Historical record
A prior source observation retained as market evidence after the machine closed, disappeared or could no longer be confirmed as active.
Observed asking price
A price publicly requested by the source. It is a market signal—not proof of value, an accepted offer or the final transaction amount.
Confirmed sale price
A completed transaction amount supported by reliable closing evidence. “Sold” without an amount does not reveal the sale price.
Market range
A contextual interval based on relevant evidence for similar machines. Its usefulness depends on comparability, recency and data quality.
Estimate
An informed calculation for a defined question, using stated assumptions and available evidence. It should disclose important limits.
Offer
A specific party’s proposed transaction terms. It may include conditions, fees, timing requirements and an expiration date.
Appraisal
A purpose-specific opinion of value developed under a defined scope by a qualified appraiser. The intended use and effective date matter.
Production-ready cost
The acquisition price plus the work required to make the exact machine operational for its intended use in the receiving facility.
Evidence boundaries
What each machine source can—and cannot—establish
| Evidence | Useful for | Does not establish by itself |
|---|---|---|
| Public listing | Observed seller statements, asking price, date and source | Current availability, ownership, condition or final sale price |
| Model specification | Machine-family dimensions, capacities and configuration context | The exact options or condition of a specific serial-numbered unit |
| Inspection | Observed condition and test results within the inspection scope | Future performance or facts outside the inspection |
| Comparable records | Market positioning when machines, dates and terms are genuinely comparable | A guaranteed price for a different machine or transaction |
| Completed transaction | Actual terms when supported by reliable closing evidence | A universal market value outside that transaction’s facts |
| Appraisal | A purpose-specific opinion under a stated scope and effective date | An offer to buy or a guarantee of future sale proceeds |
Comparable means comparable
Why two machines with the same model can carry different prices
Identity
Build year, serial number, model generation, country configuration and hours establish which machine is actually being evaluated.
Configuration
Control, spindle, axis travel, probing, pallet systems, chip management, tooling and software options can materially change utility.
Condition
Operating status, service history, accuracy, crash history, inspection results, cosmetics and completeness affect risk and cost.
Market
Supply, demand, geography, replacement lead time, age, obsolescence and buyer urgency shape current context.
Transaction
As-is terms, warranties, commissions, dismantling, loading, timing, financing and included services change the economic result.
Installation
Freight, permits, rigging, foundation, power, air, coolant, tooling, commissioning, training and contingency determine the complete cost.
Method and public standards
State the purpose, date, evidence and limits.
MBB separates observed public information from independent analysis. Machine records should identify the source and observation date; valuation work should identify the exact asset, intended question, effective date, evidence considered and important assumptions.
MBB’s public research is educational market context. It is not a certified appraisal, legal advice, tax advice, financing commitment or offer to transact.
- The Appraisal Foundation — USPAPOfficial information on professional appraisal standards and the current edition.
- IRS Publication 561 — Determining the Value of Donated PropertyOfficial U.S. tax publication referenced only for general public valuation context; it addresses donated property.
- MBB market-data and seller-source disclosureHow MBB treats source records, seller roles, availability and corrections.
Practical questions
Machine-market evidence FAQ
Is an asking price the same as machine value?
No. It is the amount requested by a source. Value depends on the exact machine, condition, configuration, market, location, purpose and effective date.
Does a historical listing mean the machine is available?
No. Historical records document prior market activity. Availability and transaction terms must be verified with the originating seller.
Is an estimate an appraisal or purchase offer?
No. An estimate provides context under stated assumptions. An appraisal is a purpose-specific professional opinion; an offer is a party’s proposed transaction.
What should I verify before comparing two machines?
Confirm year, model generation, serial number, control, options, hours, service and crash history, operating condition, inspection scope, location, included tooling and transaction terms.
Why can production-ready cost exceed the listed machine price?
The machine may also require freight, permits, rigging, foundations, utilities, tooling, fluids, inspection, commissioning, training and contingency.
Move from a number to a decision.
Research the machine, separate observed price from value, and account for what it takes to put the equipment into production.