Government auctions of surplus and seized property can be places to find bargains on virtually anything, from bikes to horses. An added advantage of government auctions, depending on your point of view: The money you spend isn't just going into someone's pocket. Rather, it's being redistributed into government programs. The auctions are held online or at various locations around the country. There's no single clearinghouse for auction information, but most of what you need to know can be found for free online.
Instructions
1. Visit the General Services Administrations Auctions website (a link is provided in the References section). This website includes photographs and descriptions of items the government is auctioning. From the site, you can place a bid and enter your payment and contact information to receive your item---if your bid wins.
2. Visit USA.gov's "Government Sales and Auctions page" (a link is provided in the Resources section). From this website, you can find federal property and surplus auctions in your area, as well as online auctions.
3. Click on the type of government auction you're looking for from the main auctions page of the website referenced in Step 2. A page with multiple layered tabs will appear. Select the type of merchandise you're looking to buy. Examples include electronics, vehicles, computers and jewelry.
Select your state from the drop-down menu on the next page. If there's an on-site government auction in your state, information for the auction will appear.
4. Find government auctions that might be taking place in an area where you may be planning a trip or traveling to on business. Use the same website from Steps 2 and 3, but conduct a new search for auctions in or near your destination.
5. Check out private companies that stage auctions in conjunction with the government. Sites to locate these types of auctions include GovDeals.com, GovLiquidation.com and the Bid4Assets website.
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