Purple Wave Auctions is positioning itself as a streamlined option for equipment sales heading into 2026, according to Mike Bouchee, North Dakota Territory Manager for Purple Wave.
Purple Wave operates exclusively as an online auction platform and was among the first auction companies to move entirely to digital sales. The company specializes in equipment with wheels, tires, or tracks, including assets that can be attached, pulled, pushed, or powered by other machinery.
Unlike traditional auction houses that host large quarterly events featuring thousands of items, Purple Wave runs multiple smaller auctions each week. Bouchee said the company typically conducts two to five auctions weekly, each featuring roughly 100 to 700 assets. He noted this approach helps reduce what he described as “scroller fatigue,” allowing buyers to more easily navigate listings without sorting through thousands of pieces at once.
Purple Wave’s auctions are conducted on an “as is, where is” basis, meaning sellers do not need to transport equipment to a centralized auction site. Assets can remain on the seller’s property throughout the process. As part of its full-service model, Purple Wave representatives handle evaluations, photography, video documentation, and title transfers when applicable.
Bouchee said sellers can continue to see their equipment on their property throughout the auction period, while buyers have access to detailed listings online. Logged-in buyers are able to view seller-provided details about each asset, allowing sellers to share firsthand information about their equipment. While in-person inspections are encouraged, Bouchee acknowledged that relatively few buyers physically view equipment before bidding.
To address that, Purple Wave emphasizes extensive visual documentation. Listings include numerous photos and videos demonstrating equipment operation, including forward and reverse movement, PTO functionality, and close-up engine audio to help buyers detect potential issues. Any known problems with an asset are also disclosed directly in the listing.
On pricing, Bouchee said Purple Wave charges sellers a flat $100 fee per asset or per lot, regardless of value. Multiple smaller items, such as welders, can be grouped into a single lot under the same fee. He noted there are no additional seller charges for title work or administrative costs.
Buyer fees are structured as a 10 percent buyer’s premium. Bouchee said the company opted for a flat percentage to keep calculations simple during bidding and emphasized that sellers are not charged commission fees.
Bouchee encouraged producers and equipment owners in North Dakota to reach out directly for more information, adding that Purple Wave’s website is designed to be easy to navigate for both buyers and sellers.
Listen to Corryn La Rue’s interview with Mike Bouchee here.
