GovDeals
Visit GovDealsGovDeals is an online auction platform where federal, state, and local government agencies sell surplus equipment, vehicles, and property to the public. Run by Government Liquidation LLC, the site has become one of the largest government auction marketplaces in the United States, handling millions of items annually.
The types of items available vary widely depending on what agencies are clearing from their inventories. You'll find used vehicles (cars, trucks, heavy equipment), office furniture and supplies, IT equipment, tools, machinery, and real estate. Some categories are more active than others, and inventory changes constantly as agencies add new listings.
Bidding on GovDeals works similarly to other auction sites. You register an account, browse active listings filtered by category or location, and place bids before the auction closes. Most auctions run for several days, giving you time to research items and decide on your maximum bid. When you win, you pay the hammer price plus any applicable fees, and then arrange payment and pickup or shipping based on the item and seller's requirements.
A few practical tips: Check the item condition descriptions carefully, since most government surplus sells as-is without warranties. Inspect items in person before bidding if possible, especially for high-value purchases like vehicles. Read the pickup and payment terms for each listing, as they vary by agency. Finally, factor in any travel time to pick up items or shipping costs when calculating your bid limits. Government auctions can offer good value, but success requires careful attention to details and realistic expectations about item condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GovDeals legit?
Yes. GovDeals has run since the early 2000s and belongs to Liquidity Services, a company listed on the NASDAQ as LQDT. The sellers are actual city, county and school district agencies, and your payment goes through the platform rather than to an individual. The risk on GovDeals is not fraud, it is condition: every lot is as-is, and a 12.5% buyer's premium is added to your bid at checkout.
How do I register and bid on GovDeals?
You create a free account on govdeals.com by providing your name, email, and contact information. Verify your email, then log in to browse active auctions. To place a bid, select an item, enter your bid amount, and confirm. Some auctions may require additional verification or a deposit before you can bid, depending on the item value or agency requirements. Always review the specific auction terms before bidding.
What payment methods does GovDeals accept?
GovDeals accepts multiple payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. The exact payment options can vary depending on which government agency is selling the item, so check the payment instructions in each listing. Some agencies may require payment within a specific timeframe after the auction closes. Always confirm the accepted methods before bidding to avoid complications after you win.
How do I pick up or receive items I've won on GovDeals?
Pickup and shipping arrangements depend on the specific item and the selling agency. Most listings clearly state whether the item is available for pickup only, shipped by the seller, or if you arrange your own shipping. For vehicles and heavy equipment, pickup is typically required at the agency's location. For smaller items, shipping may be available but often at your expense. Always review the logistics details in the auction listing before placing your bid, as costs can add significantly to your final price.
What is the catch with GovDeals?
Three things, none of them hidden but all of them easy to miss. A 12.5% buyer's premium is added to every winning bid, so a $5,000 hammer price costs $5,625. Almost every lot is local pickup only, and freight is yours to arrange. Removal deadlines run 7 to 10 business days, after which sellers can charge $25 to $50 a day in storage.
Has anyone been scammed on GovDeals?
Complaints about GovDeals are overwhelmingly about items arriving in worse condition than the listing suggested, not about money disappearing. Payment runs through the platform and the sellers are government agencies with public accountability. Read every photo, treat a short description as a warning sign, and inspect in person when the seller allows it.
active auctions…
Top States for GovDeals
Where GovDeals currently has the most active listings.
