Get moving 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 seized vehicles by various government departments. Curious, I googled “government auctions” and was amazed at what came up. Auction fanatics and bargain hunters, be sure to check out these sites.
US Department of the Treasury
The US Department of the Treasury / Seized Real Estate Auctions home page reads: “From the Extraordinary to the Ordinary … Our Auctions Have It All.” Woof! The United States Treasury must have hired a copywriter for this auction site! It’s pretty compelling, at least compared to the bland auction sites 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 lots, 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Immigration and Customs Control; the United States Secret Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives? “Most properties,” the FAQ reads, “are seized due to smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, credit card fraud, food stamp fraud, mail fraud or other illegal activity “. Is it just me, or is someone else not very interested in living in a house recently owned by an outlaw motorcycle gang?
If that doesn’t concern you, you can bid in three ways. You can be present at the auction, submit a bid by mail, or do it 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 claims-paid items found by the U.S. Postal Service? Looks like it’s auctioned!
These are not online auctions, but the site publishes dates, locations, and a preview calendar to inspect 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 instead uses the website. 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. turnkey business opportunities and firearms.
Do you want to buy a really elegant looking sailboat? The bidding starts at $ 6,000.74. You’ll also have 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 website links to surplus auctions for many, if not all, states in the US Items for sale represent surplus federal and state property.
Following the link to California Surplus Auctions, we found considerable information about the program, as well as 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 Liquidation site is an online marketplace for the sale of US government surplus and waste material to the public, claiming to have over 500 commodity categories 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 profitably realize their dreams,” 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 trucks and equipment. related. Ongoing auctions the day I visited included a dental chair unit, an X-ray unit, a utility boat, a 5-ton tractor, a heating 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 Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program, administered by the United States Marshals Service, manages and disposes of property seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. prosecutors in the whole country.
When I visited, the site listed a series of current asset auctions (all real estate) scheduled for the months of June and July. The site also has links to a list of national sellers, a list of agencies and entities that are authorized to sell items seized by the U.S. Marshals Service. This list included personal property, real estate, motor vehicles, boats, business inventory, art, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles.
GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales
“Our goal is to offer you great value,” 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 are held throughout the year.
This site sells used vehicles after the lease expires; does not sell seized vehicles. To bid, you show up at the facility on auction day, where you receive an auction bidder number. You can start the vehicle to check the engine and air conditioning, but you are not allowed to take it for a drive.
Defense marketing and reuse service
Looking for used military items? Go to the DRMS site to bid. DRMS disposes of excess property received from the military services. The 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 by donation to state and local governments. Excess property not reused, transferred, or donated is sold to the public as surplus
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You will undoubtedly find many good deals. However, I noticed that none of these sites offer an eBay-type comment section. You cannot rate the government as a seller!