When authorities businesses must do away with stuff, they put it up for public sale.
That’s what makes authorities public sale websites, like GovDeals.com, an important place to search out actually distinctive finds at a steep low cost.
GovDeals enables you to search 1000’s of listings in nearly each class, from heavy tools and actual property to superb artwork and jewellery.
(We’re not kidding. You should buy an ambulance or a large ruby, all from GovDeals.)
What Is GovDeals?
Consider GovDeals like eBay however for governments.
As soon as an merchandise falls out of use, public organizations — from state faculties to legislation enforcement — public sale it off to the general public.
Again within the day, many businesses positioned advertisements within the native newspaper once they needed to dump outdated tools or seized property.
GovDeals, together with a handful of different web sites, lets governments listing gadgets for public sale on-line as an alternative, the place they will attain a much bigger viewers. All the cash generated by the sale is returned to the company.
You will discover absolutely anything on GovDeals, together with train tools, faculty projectors, laptops, meals storage gadgets, kitchen tools, vehicles, buying and selling playing cards, RVs, Ralph Lauren wallets and looking knives.
GovDeals has generated over $2.5 billion in gross sales because it was based greater than 20 years in the past, in response to the corporate’s web site.
How Does GovDeals Work?
Like eBay, you’ll be able to bid on gadgets listed on GovDeals and there could also be a reserve, even when the beginning bid is de facto low. The consumer with the best bid when the public sale ends will get the merchandise if the reserve has been met. You’ll must create an account to get began.
You nearly at all times want to choose up the merchandise in particular person. Not often, an company will ship you the merchandise for a price.
You’ll be able to seek for gadgets by location or product kind. Every itemizing incorporates details about the merchandise, together with cost and pickup directions. Learn over these particulars fastidiously.
Some sellers require you to pay them instantly, for instance, whereas others allow you to pay via GovDeals’ on-line platform.
13 Loopy Reasonably priced and Bizarre Issues We Discovered On GovDeals
It’s arduous to completely admire the randomness of GovDeals till you begin scrolling via listings.
When you begin, it’s arduous to cease.
Wait, they’re actually promoting that?
Listed here are 13 unusual issues we discovered on GovDeals. Belief us, there’s lots extra to go round.
1. Yamaha Child Grand Piano — $875
- Beginning bid: $1
- Profitable bid: $875
- Offered by: College of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas
- Supply out there: No.
Sure, you learn that proper: A child grand for $875, as an alternative of 1000’s. This Yamaha piano performs nicely and has been disassembled in preparation for a transfer. The one drawbacks embody some scratches, a probably caught maintain pedal and a lacking bench. However, because the advert says, “Upright pianos are for rookies — now’s your shot at a child grand!”
You’ll be able to browse extra devices and musical tools right here.
2. Milk Cooler — $50
- Beginning bid: $50
- Profitable bid: $50
- Offered by: Mooresville Graded College District in North Carolina
- Supply out there: No
Want a brand new cooler? This 115-volt Delfield milk cooler with an air curtain is in good working situation — and price 1000’s new. Consider all the additional milk you’ll be able to retailer in that factor.
If it’s tools, you’ll find it on GovDeals — train tools, industrial kitchen tools, hearth and police tools, heavy tools …
3. Seven 14k Yellow Gold Bracelets —$370
- Beginning bid: $20
- Profitable bid: $370
- Offered by: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts – Unclaimed Property Division in Austin, Texas
- Supply out there: Sure, included
Positive jewellery is a well-liked class on GovDeals — particularly gold jewellery. This lot from the Texas Division of Unclaimed Properties contains seven 14k bracelets totaling 11.1 grams of gold. There’s some scratches and indicators of floor put on, nevertheless it bought for $370 after 30 bids.
That’s a tough revenue of $215 simply based mostly on the value of gold after you pay gross sales tax and charges.
There’s extra the place that got here from. To see all the jewellery offers, click on right here.
4. Three Fitbits — $20
- Beginning bid: $5
- Profitable bid: $20
- Offered by: Denver Metropolis and County Authorities in Colorado
- Supply out there: Sure, for a further $20
Three Fitbits of unknown situation with no warranties or ensures? Should you don’t thoughts taking a shot at midnight, you’ll be able to attempt your luck. Perhaps one among them even works!
GovDeals affords an array of non-public electronics, together with AirPods, iPhones, computer systems, tablets, printers, radios, desk telephones — you’ll be able to even choose up a cassette participant.
5. Set of 12 Birthday Bear Beanie Infants — $22.25
- Beginning bid: $10
- Profitable bid: $22.25
- Offered by: Metropolis of Bowling Inexperienced, Kentucky
- Supply out there: No
We’re undecided why Bowling Inexperienced’s metropolis authorities has a dozen birthday Beanie Infants (which promote for about $10 every) — however we’re right here for it. And look, they even come on this trendy glass show case.
The collectibles class on GovDeals will elevate extra questions than it solutions. Why is a metropolis promoting a megalodon shark tooth? How did 300 comedian books find yourself in a police proof room? Why is an airport itemizing sports activities playing cards?
6. A whole bunch of Books — $5
- Beginning bid: $5
- Profitable bid: $5
- Offered by: Berkeley County Authorities in South Carolina
- Supply out there: No.
Need to replenish your bookshelves or begin a library? This lot contains 619 books, 12 CDs, 35 DVDs and one puzzle. Greatest disadvantage? Authors, titles and topic issues aren’t listed within the submit, so it’s arduous to know what you’re getting.
There’s much more than books below the tutorial heading. You may take house an animatron, microscope, furnishings, a smartboard, calculators. There’s additionally a guide class with textbooks, manuals and outdated library books.
7. 2005 Pierce Enforcer Fireplace Truck — $7,300
- Beginning bid: $500
- Profitable bid: $7,300
- Offered by: Indian River County Authorities in Vero Seaside, Florida
- Supply out there: No
Sure, for lower than $8,000, you can also personal a hearth truck. Clearly, it’s not good: It has 178,201 miles on it, and the pump has a leaky mechanical seal that must be overhauled. However hey, should you’re available in the market for a hearth truck …
And who isn’t, try these surplus vehicles.

8. Numerous Workplace Furnishings — $1
- Beginning bid: $1
- Profitable bid: $1
- Offered by: College of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama
- Supply out there: No
It’s loopy that every one this workplace furnishings bought for simply $1 — nicely, technically $1.23 after tax and charges. The lot contains 25 chairs, three metallic bookcases, 12 workplace desks and tables, three submitting cupboards and one double seat.
Furnishings abounds on GovDeals and there are some good offers available.
9. Kiln — $1,325
- Beginning bid: $100
- Profitable bid: $1,325
- Offered by: Montgomery School in Rockville, Maryland
Supply out there: No
Need to hearth up your personal pottery aspect hustle? This kiln may assist get you began — and it bought for 1000’s lower than an analogous new one. The vendor says it’s in good situation “however wants some TLC.”
The humanities and crafts part isn’t all kilns and pottery wheels. It’s additionally stickers, bowling pins, baskets and framed artwork.
10. 2005 Ford Crown Victoria — $1,125
- Beginning bid: $300
- Profitable bid: $1,125
- Offered by: Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Workplace in Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Supply out there: No
With used automotive costs so excessive, we received’t decide should you bid on this Crown Vic with a V8 engine. It is likely to be 17 years outdated with 199,277 miles, however hey, it nonetheless runs. Plus the physique and paint are in good situation. One fairly notable disadvantage: The powertrain management module “must be changed in some unspecified time in the future.”
You’ll be able to click on via lots of of vehicles on GovDeals, even traditional ones.
11. Over 1,600 Bricks — $50
- Beginning bid: $50
- Profitable bid: $50
- Offered by: Ashtabula County Technical & Profession Middle in Jefferson, Ohio
- Supply out there: No
Building supplies aren’t low cost nowadays, so this lot of 1,680 bricks is a steal. The bricks have been used as a part of an academic program. They’re in good situation even when they give the impression of being a bit wonky. Contemplating the common value for 1,000 bricks runs about $350 to $900, you’ll be able to in all probability overlook these superficial blemishes.
Other than low cost bricks, you’ll find lumber and different constructing supplies.
12. 5 Mini-iPads — $125
- Beginning bid: $125
- Profitable bid: $125
- Offered by: Somerset Included College District in Texas
- Supply out there: No
Who is aware of if these 2nd era mini iPads with 16GB of storage truly work. However at $25 a bit, you may wish to place a bid simply to search out out.
Take a look at extra iPads and tablets right here.

13. Two Cafeteria Tables — $20
- Beginning bid: $20
- Profitable bid: $20
- Offered by: Santa Rosa County College District in Milton, Florida
- Supply out there: No
Want some additional seating at your subsequent occasion? You will get each of those highschool sized cafeteria tables in good situation for lower than $25.
Different Authorities Surplus Websites
GovDeals isn’t the one sport on the town in terms of authorities auctions.
Listed here are just a few different authorities public sale websites the place you’ll find bargains:
Comfortable discount looking!
Rachel Christian is a Licensed Educator in Private Finance and a senior author for The Penny Hoarder.