Typically, there is no charge to participate in a free government auction and as long as all bidders play by the rules of the auction house, the winning bid will be the price they pay for the merchandise. There will be times when there is an unpublished reserve price on merchandise, most often with surplus vehicles being sold by the government, and if the winning bid does not meet this reserve the item will not be sold. Typically, items sold at a free government auction that have been confiscated for convicted felons or seized to pay off tax debts are sold without a reserve price, although some exceptions do exist.
The types of items sold at a free government auction will be as varied as the people attending the sale. Those who have attended private auctions in the past understand how the system works, but those new to the auction world can easily become confused in this rapid paced sale environment. Car auctions for example, usually last about one minute from the opening bid until the gavel falls on the winning bid amount during a free government auction.
There are some who try to horn in on a free government auction by charging for listings of the vehicles, and while this may be convenient for some auction attendees, each agency sponsoring a free government auction also provides the listing without charge. Once an auction is scheduled, there is no guarantee that will take place. If there is a lack of merchandise for that day, it can be cancelled with usually a two week notice.
Registration Required For Auction Participation
Similar to private auctions, before bidding on anything at a free government auction participants are required to register. They must also provide valid identification and are issued a bidder number. If they are the winning bidder, the auctioneer or their helper will record the item, the winning bid amount and the bidder number. In most cases, even at a free government auction, the merchandise cannot be removed from the premises until it is paid in full.
The same requirements exist at a government surplus auction at which extra cars, trucks and many other items are disposed of and the proceeds used to help replenish the government’s supplies. These are also considered a free government auction with dates, times and listings of merchandise up for bid will be published well before the time of the auction. They offer everyone the opportunity to get some great deals on serviceable merchandise.
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