Free Government Auctions
Defining Free Government Auctions
Ever wonder where old government cars and properties go? It turns out that you can buy them at below market value in free government auction listings. The U.S. Government has a fast cycle policy in renewing government fleets. When these government properties have satisfied the length of the lease, they try to recoup value by allowing the public to bid for these properties. The most common items in these auctions are fleet cars.
Free government auctions are administered by the U.S. General Services Administration (http://www.gsa.gov) and its automobile auctions arm, the GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales (http://www.autoauctions.gsa.gov/). Aside from fleet cars, you can also bid for public buildings, real estate, scientific equipment, office supplies and utilities, villas, yachts, and more. With a wide range of products on auction, you will rarely find an auction that is not a good deal for you.
The products from free government auctions come from various government agencies, usually in the federal level. After one federal agency uses a newly acquired unit, they cycle it by sending it directly to GSA or by lending it to other government agencies. Other items from free government auctions come from seized properties taken from delinquent taxpayers or from ill-gotten gains by convicted felons.
Advantages Of Government Auctions
People who discover the opportunities behind government auctions are delighted with the cost and quality advantages of these items. Since this is a government function, participating in auctions or viewing their listings is free. They also fetch at below market value, even compared to used-market prices. When you win a bid, you also enjoy lower taxes on purchases compared to the taxes imposed in the market. These cost advantages serve well for small businesses who want to buy a vehicle or two for their operations.
Although they have completed their lease terms, most of the items in government auctions are sparsely used. Fleet vehicles have low mileage, and most of them were only used by one owner. Federal agencies also have considerable budget for the maintenance of their units, so when they are ready for bidding, they are almost in mint condition. Bidders will be glad to know that most of the preferred features and add-ons that they want on a car or property are also in these items.
Attending A Free Government Auction
Going to a free access government auction is as easy as showing up on the day of the auction. To be eligible for a fleet auction, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a driver's license. Employees of the GSA and members of their household, as well as the employees of the auction contracts, are not allowed to join these auctions. Other government employees are allowed to bid and purchase government property unless it is prohibited by their agency. Registration for these auctions is free.
The key to participating in these free government auctions is to know the schedule way ahead of time and come early in the day. There are designated auction houses across the country that release the schedule of auctions. A comprehensive schedule is found in U.S. GSA website (http://www.autoauctions.gsa.gov/Calendar.cfm). From the auction calendar, you can view the day, time, and location of the bidding. It is recommended to call the auction house ahead of time for availability. You must come in at the right time, since some of the auction houses have limited seating capacity. You may only view the listings at the day of the auction, but you can ask the auction house in advance on what type of fleet vehicles are available, so you can decide whether you will attend or not. Auctioned items may also be pulled out at the last minute for continued government use. If you let the process work for you, free government auctions will be worth your time.
Online Government Auctions
If you cannot attend a physical auction, you can also log in to GSA Auctions Online (http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/) and bid for various items. You can browse through wide product listings ranging from agricultural equipment and construction equipment, to furniture, communication equipment, and school supplies. Once you register and get your account validated, you can view the details of various items, the bidding rule, the highest current bid, the close time, and where the property is located. If you won a bid, the online service will send you an e-mail detailing the payment and shipment details. You can go to their site to view the FAQ.
Free government auctions are a great way to jump-start your business operations or find something very useful for your household. It takes some time to be familiar with the process, but once you get the hang of it, you will be pleased to have another outlet to get affordable and reliable items.
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