Machinery and Equipment Appraisal

Guide to Help you Understand Machinery and Equipment Valuation

A Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraisal is a critical component in the operation of a business. It helps business owners ensure they receive a fair price when purchasing and selling individual assets as well as when selling their entire company.


It also ensures accuracy during litigation, helps insurance companies when an insurance claim is made, and supports IRS and State of California tax disputes.

Although anyone can try to perform a personal equipment appraisal, it’s in a business owners best interest to hire a Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraiser as the report is from a third party and written to meet court of law requirements in case the matter goes before a judge and/or jury.


We’ll show you why an equipment appraisal is important, cover the terminology you’ll encounter, and offer advice to make sure you choose the right appraiser for your circumstances.

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equipment valuation
By Andrew Rogerson April 13, 2022
The process of equipment valuation when selling a business in California. Valuation types: 1) Comparison, 2) Sales, and 3) Cost. Learn more
manufacturing machinery appraisal
By Andrew Rogerson December 11, 2021
Manufacturing machinery appraisal requires a deep knowledge of the process. We'll walk you through the appraisal methods in detail.
certified equipment appraiser
By Andrew Rogerson December 8, 2021
Considering hiring a Certified Equipment Appraiser to determine the value of your used machinery? Here are 5 important reasons to hire a CMEA
How to Determine Fair Market Value of Equipment
By Andrew Rogerson December 7, 2021
How to determine fair market value of equipment is complex. We have identified the best calculations in this walk-through guide. Get started!
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Compare asset sale vs stock sale for California sellers — tax impacts, Form 8594 allocations, §338/336 elections, and a mini-case that shows net after-tax proceeds.
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By Andrew Rogerson March 7, 2026
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Compare sell-side vs buy-side representation for California biz owners—processes, fees, confidentiality, and scenario-based guidance to choose the right mandate.
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By Andrew Rogerson March 7, 2026
Earnout vs seller financing comparison for California lower‑middle‑market sellers—speed to close, SBA fit, tax & dispute risks, plus buyer‑type recommendations.
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By Andrew Rogerson February 28, 2026
Comparing exit vs succession planning - step-by-step guide and comparison . Focus on 3rd party biz sale vs ESOP and California tax implication
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By Andrew Rogerson February 26, 2026
Compare internal vs external succession planning for California firms to find the best fit for your goals, costs, and client relationships.
Illustration about business valuation, featuring a person looking at charts and an elderly woman in a blazer.
By Andrew Rogerson January 28, 2026
Decide if a free business valuation meets your needs or if a paid service is better for selling, financing, or legal matters.
CNC business exit strategy document. Two people looking at a whiteboard, man writing, machine shop setting.
By Andrew Rogerson January 19, 2026
Planning your CNC business exit strategy in California? Learn key steps for valuation, preparation, financial considerations, and protect your legacy
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By Andrew Rogerson December 17, 2025
Preparing your CNC manufacturing business for sale? Learn essential steps: machine condition, documentation, valuation, and negotiation for a successful sale.
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By Andrew Rogerson December 13, 2025
The $3.2 Million Mistake: Case study of a California roofing business sale that failed despite massive buyer interest, and learn the one error you must avoid

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