Move over, eBay! The government is right behind you! As a competitor, that is!
By chance, I came across a website that lists auctions (some online) and accepts bids for vehicles seized by various government departments. Curious, I googled “government auctions” and was surprised at what came up. Auction fans and bargain hunters, be sure to check out these sites.
United States Department of the Treasury
The US Department of Treasury/Seized Real Estate Auctions home page states: “From the extraordinary to the ordinary… our auctions have it all.” Wow! The US Treasury must have hired a copywriter for this auction site! It’s pretty convincing, at least compared to the nondescript auction sites that some of the other departments post.
The Treasury Department auctions seized real estate throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Items include homes, commercial buildings, vacant land, and multi-family residences. Proceeds from sales go to support continued law enforcement and provide restitution to victims.
Oh, did I mention that the seizure happens through the IRS–Criminal Investigation; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the United States Secret Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives? “Most property,” the FAQ reads, “is seized due to smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, credit card fraud, food stamp fraud, mail fraud, or other illegal activities”. Is it just me, or is there someone else who isn’t too interested in living in a house recently owned by an outlaw biker gang?
If that doesn’t worry you, you can bid in three ways. You can be present at the auction, submit a bid by mail, or bid electronically. Electronic bidding is available for select auctions. If you win your bid, please be prepared to pay cash. The government does not offer financial services.
The US Postal Service: Not Just for Stamps Anymore
Ever wonder what happens to damaged, unclaimed, and claimed paid items found by the US Postal Service? Looks like it’s up for auction!
These are not online auctions, but the site posts dates, locations, and a preview schedule for inspecting the merchandise. At the time I wrote this, several auctions were scheduled. Maybe you can find that long lost birthday present!
IRS auctions
The bad news is that the IRS seizes your property and other valuables if you don’t pay taxes. The good news is that you can buy it back through IRS Auctions.
According to the website, the IRS no longer maintains a mailing list about its auctions, but uses the website instead. When I checked, there was information on auctions for various real estate (commercial and non-commercial), various coins and precious metals, stock certificates, antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and luxury items, cars, motorcycles and trucks, key business opportunities in hand and firearms.
Do you want to buy a really fancy looking sailboat? Bidding starts at $6,000.74. You’ll also need to pay another $2,600 for docking and storage fees. Oh, and you’ll have to move it from Ohio, unless you live in Cleveland. You can download the mailing forms for your offer.
US Government Surplus Auctions
The State and Local Surplus Property webpage has links to surplus auctions for many, if not all, states in the US. Items for sale represent federal and state surplus property.
By following the link to the California Surplus Auctions, we found considerable information about the program, plus news about upcoming public auctions and a link to the auctioneer’s website. The private sector auctioneer posts an auction list on the website three days before the auction. (There were no listings the day I visited the site.)
Government liquidation
The government clearance site is an online marketplace for the sale to the public of US government surplus and scrap material. It claims to have over 500 categories of basic products and thousands of surplus items added weekly.
“Whether starting a new business or expanding an existing one, GL gives small business owners and end users the opportunity to realize their dreams profitably,” the site reads, whimsically.
Categories include aircraft parts, audio and video equipment, boats, computers, heavy equipment, electrical equipment, industrial equipment, machinery, material handling equipment, medical and dental equipment, scrap metal, plumbing, test equipment, and truck and equipment. related. Ongoing auctions the day I visited included a dental chair unit, x-ray unit, utility boat, 5 ton tractor truck, oven system, and much more.
Interested site visitors can sign up for email notifications or subscribe to the RSS feed.
Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program
According to the website, the Justice Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program, administered by the US Marshals Service, manages and disposes of property seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies and US prosecutors. in all the country.
When I visited, the site was listing a series of current asset auction sales (all real estate) scheduled for the months of June and July. The site also links to a National Sellers List – a list of agencies and entities authorized to sell items seized by the US Marshals Service. This list included personal property, real estate, motor vehicles, boats, commercial inventory, art , jewelry, antiques and collectibles.
GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales
“Giving you great value is our goal,” says the organization. According to the FAQ, GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales will sell approximately 35,000 vehicles this year. Most vehicles will be available between April and September, when most leases expire, but sales take place throughout the year.
This site sells used vehicles after leases expire; does not sell seized vehicles. To bid, you show up at the facility on auction day, where you receive an auction bidder number. You may start the vehicle to check the engine and air conditioning, but you are not allowed to take it for a drive.
Defense Commercialization and Reuse Service
Looking for used military items? Go to the DRMS site to bid. DRMS disposes of excess assets received from the military services. Inventory changes daily and includes thousands of items, from air conditioners to vehicles, clothing, computers, and much more.
According to the website, the property is first offered for reuse within the Department of Defense and then transferred to other local agencies or through donation to state and local governments. Surplus goods not reused, transferred or donated are sold to the public as surplus
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You will certainly find many good offers. However, I noticed that none of these sites provide an eBay-style feedback comment section. You can’t brand the government as a seller!