From One Message to a 50-Ton Crane on the Sea: A Dutch Client’s Journey with Me and the SANY STC500S

By Coco Wang, Sales Expert, Hongying Used Machinery

I’ve always believed this job is about people, not machines. Selling cranes might sound mechanical, but in reality, it’s full of human moments. That truth was proven again this January when I received a message from a new client in the Netherlands, who found us through Google Ads.

He was looking for a used 50-ton crane, preferably a SANY. He had a few requirements: good lifting height, strong power, no trouble during export. A lot of overseas buyers send short, vague messages — but his was specific. I appreciated that.

I replied the same day, and so began a process that took us from cautious questions to a confirmed order and a soon-to-be-shipped SANY STC500S, made in 2010.

We Talked Like Colleagues, Not Buyers and Sellers

The first few messages weren’t just about price. He asked how many hours the crane had worked. Whether the engine had ever been replaced. What kind of roads the crane had run on. These are the kinds of questions that show the person on the other end really knows machines. I liked that too.

Instead of just copying and pasting spec sheets, I sent him a short video clip of me walking around the actual unit. I pointed out the wear and tear on the paint, the condition of the boom, and let the engine run so he could hear the sound for himself.

In the background, you could even hear our workshop team yelling at each other. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real — and that’s what he needed.

Why I Recommended the SANY STC500S

I told him: “If you’re after reliability, this unit will do the job.” Here’s why:

• It lifts up to 50 tons.
• With the jib (副臂), the boom can reach 62.5 meters.
• The main boom alone is 44 meters, which covers most mid-to-large lifting needs.
• It’s powered by a Yuchai YCK08330-61 engine — 243kW output, strong torque.
• Fast on the road too — max speed is 90 km/h, which matters in some EU countries where cranes move between cities.

But specs are just specs. I told him honestly: “This is a 2010 unit. It’s not new. It’s got marks, scratches. But everything works. And we’ll go over it again before we ship.” That’s something I say often. I’d rather lose a deal than oversell something and damage our reputation.

He Asked the Right Questions — So I Gave Full Answers

This buyer wasn’t in a rush, and that made me trust him more. He asked about export procedures, Ro-Ro shipping availability, and how we’d handle the customs paperwork on his side in Europe.

I explained the full workflow, including:

• Pre-shipping inspection
• Export certificate, invoice, and bill of lading
• How we coordinate with a Ro-Ro shipping agent
• Estimated delivery to Rotterdam

I also told him how many similar cranes we’ve shipped to Europe in the past 2 years — and showed photos from those cases. He said, “That gives me a bit more peace of mind.”

From January to February: He Took His Time — I Gave Him Space

A lot of salespeople push too hard. I’ve never liked that approach. I gave him space to think, compare, and check with his partners. He came back with more questions — not doubts, just due diligence. He even asked for the turning radius and outrigger width because the project site in the Netherlands had limited space.

Here’s what I gave him:

• Outrigger spread: 7.46m (side) × 6.05m (long)
• Full machine length: 13,960mm
• Width: 2,650mm
• Height: 3,700mm
• Slewing speed: 2.5 rpm
• Boom movement time: extend in 100s, retract in 120s

I added: “If this unit feels like too much, I can show you something lighter. But if you’re doing large lifts, it’s hard to beat the STC500S in this price range.” On February 24, he confirmed the order.

Export Preparation — My Favorite Part

Once the order came through, our team got to work. We cleaned the machine inside and out, checked the hydraulics again, and added a fresh coat of protective paint on the support legs.

Meanwhile, I handled all documents:

• Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Export Customs Declaration

We arranged Ro-Ro shipment, secured the machine on the deck manifest, and kept the client posted with photos at every stage — loading, inspection, port gate-in. He didn’t have to ask. I sent updates because that’s what I’d want if I were in his shoes.

A Message That Stuck with Me

The day before shipping, he sent a message:

“Coco, I really didn’t expect this level of follow-up. Thank you. I’ll be back again soon, probably for a used excavator.”

That made my day.

This is the part of the job that’s not in any training manual — building trust, showing up for people, and treating every machine like it matters.

Want to Work with Someone Who Cares?

If you’re looking for a used crane, affordable second-hand excavator, or other preowned construction equipment from China, feel free to reach out to me. No pressure, no gimmicks — just honest support.

• 📧 Email: inquiry@hongyingusedmachinery.com
• 📱 WhatsApp: +86 189 3713 2324
• 🌐 www.hongyingusedmachinery.com

I’m Coco Wang, and I stand behind every machine I help ship out.