PublicSurplus Auctions in Pennsylvania (PA)

Yes. PublicSurplus has operated since the early 2000s as the surplus disposal platform for thousands of school districts, cities, counties and universities. The sellers are public bodies, and the site is often the cheaper option against GovDeals because most lots carry no buyer's premium. Listings are sparse by comparison, so condition risk is higher, not lower.

Often, yes, and the reason is fees rather than prices. Most PublicSurplus lots carry no buyer's premium, while GovDeals adds 12.5% to every winning bid. On a $5,000 item that is a $625 difference before anything else. Compare the true total, not the hammer price.

Because the person writing them is a school district or public works employee clearing a warehouse, not a seller trying to maximise the price. Expect few photos and short descriptions. Treat that as a reason to inspect or bid conservatively rather than as a sign something is wrong.