Tennessee auctions 10's of thousands of items each year on GovDeals. Towns, counties, schools, and agencies across the state are some of the most active in the country selling public surplus.
Whether you're looking to buy for personal use or searching for the best items to resell in Tennessee, this guide will help you find great deals and make the most of every purchase.
Why Buy Surplus in Tennessee
When government agencies no longer need vehicles, equipment, or other gear, they list it on GovDeals. These are well-kept items that you can buy at a fraction of the retail price. Buying used helps you save money—and it keeps good stuff out of landfills.
And with hundreds of government agencies in Tennessee using GovDeals, there’s always something new up for grabs.
Tennessee Sold Results
What's Selling in Tennessee
Popular Items Sold on GovDeals
- Automobiles, SUVs
- Light and Heavy-Duty Trucks
- Boats, Buses, ATVs, Vans
- Specialized Vehicles, and more.
- Dozers
- Excavators, Backhoes
- Tractors
- Cranes, Highway/Road Equipment, and more.
Tech & Office Gear
- Computers
- Cell Phones
- Monitors
- Tablets
- Audio/Visual Equipment, and more.
- Furniture, Fitness Equipment
- Appliances
- Collectibles,
- Clothing, Jewelry, and more.
- Factory Support, Forklifts, Public Utility
- Power, Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
- Warehouse, Material Handling Equipment, and more.
- Residential and Commercial Property
- Permanent and Portable Buildings
- Vacant Land, and more.
Who’s Selling in Tennessee
Noteworthy Government Agencies selling items on GovDeals:
- State of Tennessee
- Nashville and Davidson County
- Knoxville
- University of Tennessee
- Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
- Knox County
- Franklin
- Maryville
- Pigeon Forge
- 24th Drug Task Force
- Greene County
- Kingsport
- Sevierville
- Cookeville
- Smyrna
- Johnson City
- Gatlinburg
- Shelby County Sheriff
- Monroe County
- Nashville Metro Airport Authority
- Brentwood
- Vanderbilt University
- Toho Water Authority
- Flagler County Board of County Commissioners
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!
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 Florida” 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 Tennessee Surplus?
Tennessee’s surplus market is as diverse as the state itself. From work trucks in Memphis to real estate in the Smokies, surplus auctions give you access to high-value assets at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re flipping for profit, stocking a business, or just bargain hunting, GovDeals makes it easy to explore listings across the Volunteer State.
Good for Your Wallet—and the Planet
Last year, over 30,000 items were sold on GovDeals in Tennessee alone. That means fewer things went to waste and more people got affordable tools and gear.
Ready to Get Started?