The business of Ritchie Bros. is quite simple: the company provides a global marketplace for buyers of industrial equipment. All the company's auctions are unreserved. Unreserved simply means that all units are sold to the highest bidder without reserve prices, minimum bids, or buy-backs. It's an environment that both buyers and sellers benefit from. An open and transparent bidding environment attracts more and more buyers to the auction. And this in turn, attracts more and more sellers. Ritchie Bros. works with many equipment sellers worldwide. Last year, the company conducted over 140 auctions through its network of auction facilities in eight countries, in addition to numerous other locations. 

The company's website at serves as an extension of the business - customers can search the current auction inventory and auction results from the past 24 months, place online consignments and bids, view internet broadcasts of selected auctions and find contact information for their local offices and representatives. Most Ritchie Bros. auctions are broadcast online. So, if buyers can't make it to the auction, they can still participate live and in real time over the internet with the rbauctionBid-Live service. Viewers and bidders can see an image of the equipment as it sells, hear the auctioneer call out bids and place bids over the internet, live and in real-time. 

Ritchie Bros. auctions are known for the ramp method, where customers are able to sit in a covered auction theatre while the mobile equipment is sold as it is driven over the ramp. Once the bidding has started, the sale price increases until there are no new bids. The auctioneer announces the item as SOLD. 

Then, the successful buyer holds up his number to identify himself, and the process begins all over again. Bidders can inspect the trucks and equipment at all auction facilities before the sale. All items are organised in a logical fashion for easy viewing and comparison. Customers can conveniently access third-party services at the auction such as transportation, financing, catering and customs brokers. 

Ritchie Bros. commenced operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in October 1997 when the company conducted its first auction in the Middle East. Since then, several company auctions have been held in Dubai, including one in late 1998 which totaled over US$35 million in gross auction sales. Today the company holds four multi-day auctions in Dubai each year. 

Ritchie Bros. did not become the world's leading auctioneer overnight. Only through many years of auction experience has the company come to define a first-class industrial auction. Continuous growth around the world allows the company to broaden its scope and services. A steadfast commitment to quality service and the unreserved auction process has enabled Ritchie Bros. earn an exceptional reputation. nveniently access third-party services at the auction such as transportation, financing , catering and customs brokers.