Government Auction Guides & Buying Tips
Everything you need to know about buying from government surplus auctions.
See platform comparisons (GSA vs GovDeals, etc.) →Best Government Auction Sites: 7 Ranked & Compared (2026)
We compared every major government surplus auction site — GSA, GovDeals, Public Surplus, HUD, and more. Buyer's premiums, inventory, and where the real deals are in 2026.
GovDeals Alternatives: 7 Sites Like GovDeals (2026)
If you're tired of GovDeals' 12.5% buyer's premium and 90-day probation period, here are the 7 best alternatives — including a free tool that searches them all at once.
The Complete Guide to Government Surplus Auctions (2026)
Everything you need to know about buying from government surplus auctions — how they work, where to find them, what to expect, and how to get the best deals.
GSA vs GovDeals vs Public Surplus: Fees, Selection (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of GSA Auctions, GovDeals, and Public Surplus — buyer's premiums, inventory differences, and which platform actually wins for which kind of buyer in 2026.
How to Buy a Government Surplus Vehicle
A practical guide to buying cars, trucks, and fleet vehicles from government surplus auctions. What to expect, how to inspect, and how to get the best deal.
10 Things to Know Before Bidding on Government Auctions
Essential tips for first-time government auction buyers. Avoid common mistakes, understand the rules, and set yourself up for success.
How to Flip Government Surplus for Profit
A practical guide to buying government surplus and reselling for profit. Categories, margins, where to sell, and how to build a sustainable side hustle.
Best Government Auction Categories for Beginners
Not sure where to start with government surplus auctions? Here are the best categories for first-time buyers, ranked by accessibility, risk, and value.
Government Car Auctions Near Me — How to Find & Buy (2026)
Find government car auctions near you. Learn where police, federal, and local agencies sell seized and surplus vehicles — and how to get the best deal.
How to Buy a HUD Home in 2026: Step-by-Step Bidding Guide
Step-by-step guide to buying HUD foreclosed homes — eligibility, the 30-day owner-occupant window, the bidding process, financing, and the pitfalls that cost first-time buyers in 2026.
GSA Auctions FAQ — Everything You Need to Know Before Bidding
Answers to the most common questions about GSA Auctions: how registration works, what fees apply, what you can buy, how pickup works, and what happens if you win.
HUD HomeStore FAQ — How to Buy Foreclosed Homes from HUD
Common questions about HUD HomeStore: how the bidding process works, who can buy, what owner-occupant priority means, financing options, and as-is property risks.
GovDeals FAQ — How State and Local Surplus Auctions Work
Common questions about GovDeals: registration, the buyer's premium, the new-bidder probation period, payment and pickup, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Public Surplus FAQ — How the Quieter Government Auction Site Works
Common questions about Public Surplus: how it differs from GovDeals, registration, fees, payment, pickup, and tips for finding less-competitive auctions.
GovPlanet FAQ — Buying Heavy Equipment from Government Surplus
Common questions about GovPlanet: how it differs from GSA Auctions, the IronClad Assurance condition rating, fees, financing, transport, and what to inspect.
PropertyRoom FAQ — Buying Police Seized and Unclaimed Property
Common questions about PropertyRoom: how police-seized auctions work, what's typically listed, fees, shipping, and tips for finding deals on jewelry and electronics.
State Government Surplus Auctions FAQ — How They Work State by State
Common questions about state government surplus auctions: which states run their own platforms, what's typically sold, how the process differs from federal, and how to find them.