Government Auction Guides
How government surplus auctions actually run, written from buyer notes. Which site to pick, what shipping really costs, how to inspect a lot before you bid.
How Government Auctions Work in 2026: Bidding, Fees, Pickup
What actually happens at a government auction. Bidding formats by platform, real fees on GSA, GovDeals, and PublicSurplus, payment timelines, and the pickup rules that trip up first-time buyers.
Read guide →10 Best Government Auction Sites Compared (2026)
Ten government auction sites compared head to head. Actual buyer's premium on each, the categories every site sells most, and which one to pick for vehicles, electronics, or surplus equipment.
Read guide →Government Vehicle Auctions: Where to Buy in 2026
Where federal, state, and city fleets sell off their cars and trucks. Real price ranges for sedans, pickups, vans, and police cruisers, plus the agencies that move the most volume each month.
Read guide →How to Inspect Before You Bid at Auction: What to Check (2026)
What to check on vehicles (rust, mileage, brakes), heavy equipment (hours, leaks), and electronics before bidding. Plus when third-party inspectors pay off.
Read guide →Government Auction Shipping: Costs & Pickup Rules
Shipping a vehicle from a federal lot runs $400 to $3,500. Equipment freight costs, removal deadlines on every major auction site, and how to avoid forfeiting your win to a missed pickup window.
Read guide →GovDeals vs PublicSurplus: Which Should You Use?
Honest side-by-side comparison of GovDeals and PublicSurplus. Inventory, fees, payment, removal, and which platform fits your buying style.
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