GovDeals Blog

California Surplus: Buying Government Auctions Near Me

Written by Chloe P | July 30, 2025

Did you know that some of California’s best deals have been hiding right under your nose?  GovDeals is here to help the bargain hunter in you find otherwise hidden treasures all throughout the state. 

 

Why Buy Surplus in California  

Have you ever wondered what happens to government owned vehicles, real estate, and other assets that are no longer needed? Over 650 local and state agencies in California sell those assets directly on GovDeals. Online government surplus auctions give new life to used items and keep unnecessary waste out of landfills. Whether it be electronics, furniture, or classic cars, GovDeals is sure to have just what you’re looking for – at a fraction of the cost.  

 

Who’s Selling in California?  

A Spotlight on California’s most active government agencies selling surplus via GovDeals. 

  • State of California 
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • California Highway Patrol
  • City of Riverside
  • County of Monterey
  • Cupertino Union School District
  • Folsom, CA
  • Imperial County
  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Los Angeles County DHS-Harbor/UCLA Medical Center
  • Los Angeles Unified School District
  • Napa, CA 
  • Orange County Vehicles
  • Sacramento City Unified School District
  • San Diego County Fleet Services
  • San Joaquin County Fleet Services
  • San Jose, CA 
  • San Luis Obispo County
  • Santa Barbara County Fleet Services
  • Shasta County
  • Tulare County
  • UC Davis – AggieSurplus

There are numerous ways to find specific sellers on GovDeals.

  • Find sellers near you by searching your zip code in our location search.
  • Type in your zip code
  • Adjust your radius
  • Select the 'show map' box
  • Hit search
  • You've got a list of live auctions near you!

Keep track of your favorite sellers by bookmarking or favoriting their URL. To find the URL, click 'View Seller's Other Assets' on an auction page of a seller you are interested in. This will provide a list of all items for sale from that seller. Save it and check regularly.

Hundreds of new surplus auctions are listed on GovDeals every day!

 

 

What's Selling in California

 Popular Items for Sale in California

Light and Heavy-Duty Trucks, Automobiles, SUVs, Boats, Buses, Vans, ATVs, Specialized Vehicles, and more. 

Dozers, Backhoes, Tractors, Forklifts, Cranes, Highway/Road Equipment, and more.


Tech & Office Gear
 Computers, Cell Phones, Monitors, Tablets, Audio/Visual Equipment, and more.
Furniture, Appliances, Collectibles, Clothing, Jewelry, Fitness Equipment, and more. 
Building, Factory Support, Power, Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, Public Utility, and Warehouse and Material Handling Equipment, and more.
Permanent and Portable Buildings, Vacant Land, Residential and Commercial Property, and more. 

 

Recent Sales in California  

 

 

How to Resell Surplus and Make Money

One of the biggest advantages of buying on GovDeals is the resale opportunity. Whether you're side hustling on weekends or building a full-blown business, government surplus can feed your inventory at unbeatable costs.

Where to Resell

  • Facebook Marketplace: Great for local resales — especially for selling items like furniture, tools, and equipment.
  • eBay: Ideal for smaller items, electronics, or collectibles with national interest.
  • Craigslist: Still works for certain categories and larger items like vehicles or trailers.
  • Flea Markets or Auctions: In-person sales can help you move inventory quickly and profitably.

Flipping Tips

  • Clean and Repair: A little polish goes a long way. Items in good visual condition sell faster and at higher prices.
  • Do Your Research: Before bidding, check recent selling prices on resell platforms to ensure a strong profit margin.
  • Tell the Story: Buyers love knowing the item’s origin. “From a local school district in Ohio” or “Used in a city fleet” can help add credibility and appeal.
  • Bundle for Value: If you bought a lot of similar items, bundle them into sets or offer bulk deals to attract buyers.

Ready to Start Flipping California Surplus?

Whether you're outfitting a business on a budget, or just love the thrill of the find, GovDeals makes it easy to explore surplus listings from across the Golden State. From San Fransisco to San Diego and everywhere in between, California government surplus is full of valuable items with real resale potential.

 

Good for Your Wallet—and the Planet 

Last year, over 17,000 items were sold on GovDeals in California alone. That means fewer things went to waste and more people got affordable tools and gear. 

Ready to Get Started? 

Uncover California's hidden gems - from incredible deals to unique finds, GovDeals.com is your ultimate treasure map. Start your bargain hunt today and discover treasures right under your nose! 


  

 
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