Government surplus auctions offer incredible opportunities to buy high-quality used equipment, vehicles, electronics, real estate, office supplies, and more at a fraction of retail prices. Whether you're a small business owner, reseller, or individual looking for a great deal, knowing how to navigate GovDeals.com effectively can help you maximize your savings. This guide will provide expert tips and strategies for scoring the best deals.
GovDeals is an online auction platform where government agencies sell surplus assets to the public. There are hundreds of categories of surplus for sale. Familarize yourself with the categories that interest you and sellers in your area by navigating the website.
To secure the best deals, follow these key bidding strategies:
Start with a Low Bid – Avoid bidding wars by placing a low bid and waiting until the auction nears its close.
Use Proxy Bidding – Set a maximum bid in advance and let the system automatically increase your bid in small increments, ensuring you stay competitive and don't go over your budget.
Set Up Text Alerts - When you register as a bidder you can agree to recieve text alerts that will notify you when you are outbid, when an auction is nearing close, and other important information.
Not all government surplus items are in perfect condition, so it’s crucial to research before bidding:
Read the Item Description – Pay close attention to details about the item’s condition, functionality, and any known defects.
Check Photos – High-quality images can reveal signs of wear, missing parts, or damage that might not be listed in the description.
Ask Questions – If you need more details, contact the seller for clarification before placing a bid.
Many bidders focus on high-demand items like vehicles and electronics, but there are often incredible deals in less competitive categories such as:
Before bidding, compare prices with new and used alternatives on platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace. If the auction price is significantly lower, you’ve found a great deal! Still be mindful of hidden costs such as fees, repairs and transportation.
For example, this 2011 Lexus ES 350 sold for $4,542, with $300 of that being taxes. Kelley Blue Book says a fair market value for this model is $8,130-9,505.
The Lexus that sold on GovDeals was having trouble starting. For someone with the knowledge of fixing vehicles, this could be a good car to flip for profit.
Great deals don’t last long, so stay ahead by:
Setting Alerts – Use GovDeals’ notification features to receive alerts for items you’re interested in.
Checking Listings Daily – Auctions frequently open and close, so browsing regularly increases your chances of finding valuable items.
Following Your Favorite Sellers – Some agencies regularly sell specific types of assets, making it easier to track desirable listings. Bookmark their custom URL to only see their auctions.
Winning an auction is just the first step. Most items on GovDeals require in-person pickup, so consider:
Location – Check if the item is nearby or if shipping is available.
Pickup Deadlines – Each listing includes specific pickup deadlines, so ensure you can retrieve your item on time.
Transport Logistics – For large or heavy items, you may need to rent a truck or hire professional movers.
With the right strategy, GovDeals can be a goldmine for budget-conscious buyers. They are trusted by over 15,000 government agencies, selling their surplus online for 25 years. By researching listings, bidding smartly, and planning for logistics, you can score incredible deals on government surplus items. Whether you're looking for personal use, business inventory, or resale opportunities, GovDeals provides a cost-effective way to buy quality assets.
Want to start bidding? Visit GovDeals.com and explore current auctions today!