The Rise of Online Auctions for Commercial Roofing Equipment and Contracts: There’s No Looking Back

In today’s fast-paced roofing industry, technology is reshaping how we buy, sell, and connect. One major change? The rise of online auctions for commercial roofing equipment, materials, and even service contracts.

We sat down with Jim Harper, a veteran in the roofing business with more than 40 years of experience, to talk about how online auctions are transforming the game for commercial roofers, contractors, and suppliers.

From Local Sales to Global Reach

Jim started in the commercial roofing supply and equipment trade straight out of high school. Over the years, he’s seen trends come and go — but the move from in-person sales to online auctions is here to stay.

“After COVID, the roofing business changed forever,” Jim says. “Buyers and sellers realized you don’t have to be in the same place to make a deal. You can move equipment faster, reach a bigger audience, and get fair market value without the overhead of a live event.”

His company, Merit Auctions, specializes in commercial roofing equipment, tools, and surplus material sales. They still offer in-person bidding for those who want the traditional experience, but their biggest growth has been in timed online auctions.

Why Online Auctions Work for Roofers

The benefits are clear:

Speed: Sell surplus materials or old equipment in days, not months.

Reach: Connect with contractors across the country, not just in your region.

Transparency: Everyone sees the same bidding process, creating fair market prices.

Flexibility: Choose between online-only, live in-person, or hybrid sales.

Jim notes that demand has been especially strong for flat and low-sloped roofing equipment — things like single-ply welders, spray rigs, tear-off machines, and safety gear. “If it saves time on a job site, it’s in demand.”

Market Trends Roofers Should Watch

Over the past five years, auction prices for commercial roofing equipment have steadily increased, driven by supply chain issues and material shortages. Even with interest rates rising, the market remains strong because many roofing contractors are in a better cash position today than they were a decade ago.

“The biggest question is always availability,” Jim says. “If you can’t get a brand-new piece of equipment for six months, a good used one at auction can be worth its weight in gold.”

What This Means for the Roofing Industry

The shift toward online auctions isn’t just about convenience — it’s changing how commercial roofers plan, budget, and grow their businesses. Instead of waiting for trade shows or local liquidation events, contractors can keep an eye on weekly online sales and pick up the tools or materials they need immediately.

Whether it’s upgrading your fleet of tear-off machines or liquidating excess TPO rolls after a big project, online auctions offer a smarter, faster, and more profitable way to operate.