Pickles unpacks relationship with ACT company Dale & Hitchcock
Pickles has been in business since 1964, and with 60 years in operation there have been many strong, advantageous partnerships acquired along the way. These relationships often start with business but develop over the years into enriching friendships, which strengthen initiatives through genuine trust and good communication. It is through these congenial and mutually beneficial relationships that Pickles partially credits its success in auctions, from selling just a single digger for a vendor all the way up to million dollar retirement sales. According to Pickles ACT Sales Executive, Aaron Gardner, service comes first and the sale comes second.
‘We always try to prioritise relationships above all else. We work with our vendors to adjust, reinvent and make the situation suit them every time. Flexibility and trust are absolutely key to making sure that sales are successful. Pickles is a people company first and an auction business second.’
One of the vendors that have benefitted from such a personalised service from Pickles, is Dale & Hitchcock (D & H), a civil engineering and landscape company based out of Australian Capital Territory. Dale & Hitchcock also have a long and rich history, with 34 years in the business in which they’ve provided a range of civil construction and landscaping services across ACT, often for parks and large government projects. Providing these solutions is no small fleet, Dale & Hitchcock operates a large fleet of civil earthmoving equipment and are committed to constantly upgrading their fleet. In fact, they upgrade so often that they require remarketing services every quarter, as they renew their assets every 6,000 hours. They have a big fleet and a lot of turnover, which is how their strong partnership with Pickles came about. With a national footprint, hundreds of monthly auctions and a range of services, selling with Pickles means money in the pocket quickly. On average, Pickles only require 14-21 days to remarket a Dale & Hitchcock before funds hit their account. The process is quick, easy and painless, which is crucial for a company that relies on effective asset management.
As Australia’s leading remarketer of used industrial machinery and goods, Pickles became the perfect partner to guide D & H through asset management and turnover. Selling over 80,000 industrial assets in FY23 alone, Pickles has the expertise required to help vendors maximise their goals and free capital to invest in their next generation of assets. For both businesses, establishing a great relationship was key to success and after collaborating for many years and events, a powerful partnership was born and still stands in 2024.
Taking care of them on a day-to-day basis is Pickles ACT Sales Executive, Aaron Gardner. With years of experience under his belt, Aaron works closely with Dale & Hitchcock to ensure that asset solutions are available to them at their doorstep, literally. Visiting their location on a monthly, sometimes weekly basis, Aaron is so familiar with the business and its operators that he is a trusted resource that can provide a personalised service.
The sales journey has become so fast and easy for everyone involved, as over the years Pickles and D & H have come together for a great many sales. All it takes is one phone call and Aaron hits the road to D & H to review assets and start the pre-sale process. Aaron conducts all valuations face-to-face with the equipment and starts the ball rolling on generating a valuation price for what to expect an asset to return on the used market. These valuations are so accurate that Pickles sells within 10% of the given price on every single item. This consistency in valuations has made it easy for Dale & Hitchcock to trust Pickles but also to plan, as they know that the price Pickles tells them is the price they’re going to receive. The accuracy in price valuations makes it easy for Dale & Hitchcock to use Pickles services each and every time, according to D & H Construction Manager, Asher Trounce.
‘Pickles are great, the valuations are bang on, market advice is spot on and they never over or undervalue anything. They use data and always sell everything we bring them, even some off market gear for really bespoke projects. They are very easy and professional to deal with every time.’
This partnership has withstood the ever changing market conditions between 2020-24, with Asher noting that it’s Pickles consistency and honesty about prices that keeps them coming back. Helping businesses navigate a transitional market is one of the biggest benefits of partnering with Pickles. It is also their understanding and breadth of market knowledge that’s useful, says Asher.
‘Pickles is very regionally savvy, they have a good understanding of how locality factors into sales. When they give us advice it’s specific, localised and very targeted. They know the market, what buyers are looking for and how to prep assets for the best results.’
With both businesses geared up for more years of extremely busy operations, the partnership between Pickles and Dale & Hitchcock is stronger than ever. With Asher confirming that Dale & Hitchcock has project after project on the horizon, their need for asset remarket is consistent. It’s a need that Pickles will be able to service long into the future, as the auction company hones in on data and digitally-led remarketing in the years to come.
To begin a powerful partnership, find what you need at pickles.com.au
16 Jul