Machinery & Equipment Appraisals
That Lenders Can Rely On
Accurate valuations of industrial machinery, equipment, and other fixed assets to support sound lending, collateral monitoring, and recovery decisions.
Accurate valuations of industrial machinery, equipment, and other fixed assets to support sound lending, collateral monitoring, and recovery decisions.

The Dobbins Company has conducted thousands of machinery and equipment appraisals requiring specialized knowledge of equipment, market conditions, and liquidation outcomes.
Whether you need a fast estimate for underwriting, a detailed report for a new loan (or renewal), or support during bankruptcy or foreclosure, we offer multiple appraisal formats… each designed to match the complexity, timing, and documentation requirements of your situation.
ValueFacts provides a quick, cost-effective appraisal for common machinery and equipment using our internal data and experience—ideal when you need guidance but not a full appraisal.

Desktop appraisals use a lender- or borrower-provided equipment list to develop values without a site visit, offering a cost-effective option for straightforward operations.

Onsite appraisals include a physical inspection of the facility and assets, recommended for large, complex, or higher-risk credits where detailed documentation and condition assessment are essential.
Quickly see how ValueFacts, Desktop, and Onsite Appraisals compare across turnaround time, inspection requirements, cost, and common lending scenarios.
| Appraisal Type | Turnaround Time | Inspection Needed? | Cost | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value Facts (see example) | Within 24 hours * | No Inspection | Starts at $50 for 2 items | Best for small business loans with only a few pieces of collateral |
| Desktop (see example) | Normally within a week | No Inspection | cost varies | Best for larger group of assets w/ sufficient information |
| Onsite (see example) | TBD | Inspection needed | cost varies | Best for blanket liens, complex manufacturing and distressed operations |
* Typical turnaround times will apply in most cases, but cannot be guaranteed. Subject to Terms & Conditions found on the Value Facts submission form.
Every Desktop & On-Site appraisal engagement follows a structured process designed to meet bank standards and withstand scrutiny.
We begin by confirming the scope, purpose, and assumptions of the assignment, then gather the necessary documentation (equipment lists, photos, financial information, and, where applicable, on-site observations).
For each asset, we apply appropriate valuation methodologies, drawing on market data, auction results, and our direct experience with industrial equipment and liquidation outcomes.
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. USPAP contains standards for all types of appraisal services, including: real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal.
A desktop appraisal is an appraisal where the appraiser does not physically inspect the equipment.
A comprehensive list of the equipment to be valued is needed. This includes make, model, serial number or VIN, year of manufacture and mileage/hours if available. Photos can also be very helpful if available.
Cost & time. A desktop eliminates travel expenses and time on site. Reports can often be delivered within a week of request where an on-site report could take several weeks to get scheduled, inspected and produced.
It depends on the scope of the job. Send us the list of equipment and we will get back with you ASAP with a quote and turn around time.
We will deliver an invoice along with the report. Payment is due 15 days after the report is delivered.
The Dobbins Company is working for you, not your customer. Your bank is responsible for payment regardless if the loan closes or not.
An on-site appraisal is an appraisal where the appraiser will travel to your borrower’s operation and physically inspect the equipment.
First, we need some kind of list of equipment to determine the scope of the job. This could be a Depreciation Schedule, a list provided by your customer or even just a short cell phone video of the operation. When provided with the address, viewing satellite images can be helpful. We can then provide an estimation of the cost of the report and the turnaround time.
Confirmation of condition and existence. Large, high-dollar manufacturing equipment such as CNC machine tools, large printing presses and specialized equipment need to have the actual condition confirmed to properly evaluate. In distress situations where confidence in the borrower’s honesty may be in doubt, an On-Site appraisal is critical. An on-site appraisal is the more expensive option, but this gives lenders the most accurate information.
We will travel anywhere nationally and internationally in some cases.
We will deliver an invoice along with the report. Payment is due 15 days after the report is delivered.
The Dobbins Company is working for you, not your customer. Your bank is responsible for payment regardless of if the loan closes or not.