Answers to the most common questions from sellers, buyers, and departments exploring their options.
Submit your apparatus through our Sell Your Apparatus intake form. Provide specs, condition details, photos, and your asking price — then review and sign the seller agreement covering our transaction fee terms. We'll build your listing within 1–2 business days.
There is no upfront cost. Apparatus Exchange earns a 10% transaction fee on the final sale price, paid by the seller at closing. For example, a $250,000 sale results in a $25,000 transaction fee to Apparatus Exchange. No sale, no fee.
We are a marketplace, not a dealer. We list your apparatus, introduce qualified buyers, and earn a 10% transaction fee on the final sale price. All pricing negotiations happen directly between you and the buyer — we do not set or control the sale price.
If your apparatus sells to any buyer that Apparatus Exchange introduced — even after your listing is removed or withdrawn — the 10% transaction fee applies for up to 180 days following removal. This protects our interest in deals that originated through our platform but close off-platform.
We recommend 10–20 photos minimum. Cover the front, rear, both sides, pump panel, cab interior, all open compartments, and any damage or notable features. More photos consistently lead to more buyer interest and faster results.
Yes — there is no exclusivity requirement with Apparatus Exchange. You are free to list your apparatus on multiple platforms simultaneously to maximize your exposure to buyers nationwide. However, we recommend checking the terms of your other platform first, as some include exclusivity clauses that may restrict simultaneous listings. If a buyer is introduced through Apparatus Exchange, our platform fee applies to that transaction regardless of where else it was listed.
Use our free AI-powered Valuator before you set your price. It searches live listings, auction results, and dealer inventories to estimate fair market value for your specific unit.
Every listing includes a "Request Information" form that routes your inquiry directly to Apparatus Exchange. We review your inquiry, answer any questions we can, and manage the conversation with the seller on your behalf. All communication runs through us to ensure a smooth, documented process for both parties.
Yes. We review all seller submissions before listings go live. Sellers sign a formal agreement and confirm the accuracy of the information provided. We do not independently inspect every unit. We strongly encourage buyers to arrange their own independent assessment before purchase.
All offers and negotiations are handled through Apparatus Exchange. You submit your offer through our platform, we present it to the seller, and communicate the response back to you. This keeps a clear record of every step and ensures both sides are always on the same page. We work to get both parties to an agreement — then take everyone through escrow and closing.
Absolutely — we strongly encourage it. Once you've expressed serious interest, Apparatus Exchange will coordinate a visit with the seller on your behalf at a mutually convenient time. We recommend arranging an independent assessment before committing to any purchase.
Listings stay active until the apparatus is sold or the seller requests removal. Sellers can update their listing at any time by contacting us.
Yes — each listing has a shareable URL you can copy and send to colleagues, committee members, or your board for review.
We list all types of fire apparatus: pumpers, aerials, tankers/tenders, rescue trucks, brush/wildland units, ARFF (airport/crash), quints, and tillers. We also list ambulances through our Valuator tool.
We can connect buyers with lenders specializing in municipal and fire apparatus financing, including tax-exempt programs, lease-to-own structures, and direct lending. See our Financing page or contact us to discuss your situation.
Yes. The Emergency Vehicle Valuator is free for both fire apparatus and ambulances. It uses live AI-powered market research to estimate fair market value for your specific unit.
We operate nationally, serving buyers and sellers across all 48 contiguous states. Listings come from departments and dealers throughout the country.
Use our Contact page to send a message, or email us at [email protected]. We respond within one business day.