Buying from the Government
A Small Business Guide to Government Auctions and Sales
Purchasing surplus goods from the government is an easy and affordable way to equip your new and expanding business. From computers to cars to gently used medical equipment, just about anything you can think of that your business might need is sold by the government at or below cost or fair market value.
Here's how it works. When a federal or state agency has extra equipment, seized goods, or forecloses on a piece of property, it is either transferred to another government agency or sold to the public. These goods are sold "as is" by auction or negotiated sale, either online, in-person or both. Online auctions work much the same way as other auction sites, such as E-Bay. You visit an agency's auction site, register your name, and place your bid.
Unlike most state governments, there is no single online auction web site in the federal government.. Federal agencies responsible for disposing of excess government property such the General Services Administration or Department of Defense have their own auction sites. Federal law enforcement agencies also run auction sites for seized property.
The following web sites offer government surplus goods and real estate for sale.
Auction Sites
- GovSales.gov
GovSales.gov aims to be a single catalog to all surplus items and real estate for sale by the federal government. From cars to commercial real estate to furniture, computers, and office equipment, find what you need for your small business in one place. - Military Surplus
The U.S. Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service is responsible for the disposal of excess/surplus property received from the U.S. military services. You won't find an F-16, land, building or real estate for sale here, but you will find a whole lot of other items including furniture, appliances, camping gear, jeeps, computers, office supplies, and radios. - U.S. Marshals Service - Seized Asset Information
The U.S. Marshals Service sells property to the public that has been seized by federal law enforcement agencies. The property for sale can be residential and commercial real estate, business establishments, and a variety of personal property such as motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, jewelry, art, antiques, and collectibles. - U.S. Treasury - Seized Vehicles Sales
U.S. Treasury seized vehicles are usually offered for sale at the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale-Florida, Edison-New Jersey, Los Angeles-California, El Paso-Texas, Nogales-Arizona, and Chula Vista-California auction sales centers. Vehicle auctions take place in other states depending on availability. - U.S. Treasury - IRS
Defaulted on your taxes? Well, the U.S. government might seize your property. Benefit from someone else's misfortune, and find hidden treasures at the IRS auction. - Bid4Assets
Bid4Assets is an online auction marketplace used by federal, state, and local governments to sell a wide variety of forfeited, surplus, tax-defaulted and foreclosed property online. Agencies selling goods include the U.S. Marshall Service, U.S. Dept of Treasury, U.S. Dept of Energy, the State of New Jersey and more than 40 counties nationwide.
Guides to Government Auctions
- Guide to Federal Government Sales: Consumer Tips
Once you find that government sale or auction, make sure to read this tip sheet from the General Services Administration (GSA) so that you know what to expect and how to buy. - How to Buy Surplus Military Property
Before buying from the military, check out this helpful FAQ from the DRMS sales site to get the scoop. - Government Auctions and Sales by Agency
Can't stop shopping? Here's a full list of online retail stores and auctions ran by U.S. government agencies. - State and Local Surplus Property
And if you haven't found that special item at a Federal auction or sale, find more surplus property sales and auctions from state and local governments.