Category Archives: Online Auction

1 Lot of Hay Bales: High Quality Fodder

Hay BalesNext up is a government auction we don’t come across very often. Currently up for bid is one lot consisting of 48 bales of hay that are around three years old and consist of a mixture of brome and timothy grasses. These bales have been certified weed-free and have been stored as a single layer on the ground. These bales are described to be free of mold or rot, and still green on the inside. The hay is located at Stephens Creek Barn in Yellowstone National Park. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to inspect the hay prior to casting their bids. Round bales, such as these, are a bit harder to handle than their square counterparts since they cannot be stacked quite as easily, but they compress the hay more tightly and are more moisture resistant. These types of bales typically weight 660-880 lbs, so the winner of this auction will be walking away, or rather driving away, with over 30,000 pounds of hay. Hay bales of this size typically sell for around $34 per large round bale, so this entire lot could be worth over $1,600. There is currently just one bid of $50 for the entire lot. This online auction will be ending in exactly 4 days 18 hours and 3 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

Lot of (168) 40MM Ammo Cans: Alot More Useful Than You Might Think

Ammo CansThe government frequently auctions off huge lots of military ammo cans and there are always people willing and ready to buy these hunks of metal up for various purposes. Some people probably buy them for scrap metal, but others have come up with some creative and unique ways to put these things to good use. Some of the features that make these military ammo cans so useful and versatile is that they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are waterproof, and air tight. They’re also really easy to carry and stack, so transporting them between locations is not a problem. You can easily use ammo cans to store tools, coins, and anything else you can imagine.  More than that, with some work, you can re-purpose them to serve as shelves, a first-aid kit, or even a radio. This auction is for one lot of 168 40 mm ammo cans. There are currently 5 bidders with the highest bid at $875. That’s just over $5 a can. If you want to get rid of a few cases people will be happy to buy these ammo cans from you on eBay or Craigslist. This online auction will be ending in exactly  3 days 2 hours and 55 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

US Customs Auctions: How They Work and What They Sell

US Customs Auctions

In our last blog post we began our discussion of the various government agencies and their functions by talking about one of the oldest, but perhaps least well know agency, The United States Marshals Service. Now we will continue our discussion of government agencies and how you can profit from them. Here we will be focusing on the United States Customs Service.

What is the U.S. Customs Service?

The U.S. Customs Service exists to make sure that anything entering the United States is legal and that any import, levy or tariff that is due is paid. This government agency basically serves as the gatekeeper for all goods entering the United States. There are hundreds of trade and import restrictions and laws on the books, and it is this agencies’ duty to make sure those laws are followed. The U.S. Customs Service has the power to seize assets and arrest any individuals who violate the law. Working closely with other agencies, Customs seizes billions of dollars worth of assets every year.

Where does the agency get stuff it auctions off?

A surprising number of people try to smuggle things into the United States. When most people think of smuggling, they think of someone going through the airport with an illegal substance in their luggage. However, a large percentage of smuggling occurs when goods are transported in shipping containers overseas. Others, who are not attempting to smuggle, either cannot afford to pay the import duties on things they are trying to bring into the country or just forget and leave stuff at the port. Either way, the seized assets, including electronics, tobacco, food, large machinery, and anything else you can imagine, are sold off to the public through auctions.

A lot of the assets seized by customs come from drug trafficking, which is why they have a large inventory of cars, trucks, boats, and planes. You can find some excellent deals on these types of assets at customs auctions, because the inventory is plentiful. 

What you need to know?

  • At customs auctions, cash, certified checks, and major credit cards are usually accepted.
  • Customs requires that some assets be sold only for export. That means that if you are the winning bidder, you must immediately have a way to export the asset out of the country, otherwise you will forfeit the asset.
  • Some of the cars and boats that you will find at these auctions have all sorts of hidden compartments that were used to smuggle drugs and other illicit materials. When these assets are sold the hidden compartments have to be dismantled or destroyed at the buyers expense. The changes must be made before you can get a clear title, and there is usually a time requirement for completion. Keep this in mind when bidding, because alterations came take some time to make.

Look out for our future blog posts where we will be discussing one of the largest sources of surplus property from the U.S. government, the General Services Administration (G.S.A).

Start checking out United States Customs and other auctions by activating your free trial account right now!

Combat Sports Heavy Bag: Get Mad!

Heavy BagNext up for auction are 3 Combat Sports heavy bags. These heavy bags are in good condition and would be a good addition to any professional or home gym.  There is currently just one bidder who is offering $5 for the entire lot. These banana bags typically retail for around $100 each, so the winner of this auction could walk away with a real steal. This online auction will be ending in exactly  5 hours and 0 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

2008 Dodge Viper: Unleash The Beast

Dodge ViperThe Dodge Viper is a special kind of car. Most people looking for a fast car will opt for a Porsche or a Lamborghini. But there’s a select group of people that want something that is more rare and pure than either of those to super cars. They want a car that stands out a bit more than a Porsche, but perhaps not as expensive as a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Enter the Dodge Viper: A car that is all about raw power and acceleration, with a modest sub $100-k price tag. In just 14 days a lucky bidder will get the chance to ride off into the sunset in this 2008 Dodge Viper, which is currently being auctioned off by the federal government. This Viper SRT-10 has just 14k miles on the odometer and packs an 8.4 L V-10 engine capable of delivering 600 hp and a top speed of 200-mph, although we don’t recommend going that fast. Addition features include bucket leather seats, hard-top roof, AM/FM radio, CD player, alarm system, and more. The vehicle is described to be in good overall condition, although some minor maintenance may be required. Additionally, those interested in bidding for this vehicle are required to make a bid deposit which will be held until the completion of the auction. The winner of the auction will have his or her bid deposit applied to the final price of the vehicle, while everyone else’s bid deposit will be returned to them. This online auction will be ending in exactly 14 days 21 hours and 30 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

2009 Frontier Trailer: Fixer Upper

Frontier Trailer AuctionNext up on the auction block is a 2009 Frontier Trailer. This is a roomy and comfortable trailer that can be used in a variety of ways. This trailer will need some repairs and maintenance before it can be used again, starting with a set of new tires, one window needs to be replaced, and the floor needs to be replaced. For someone who knows how to do the work themselves or inexpensively, this could be a great deal. There are currently two bidders with the highest bid at just $1,665. This online auction will be ending in exactly 5 days 6 hour and 0 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

Fire Extinguishers (Lot of 50): Load Up The Truck

Fire ExtinguishersNext up on the auction block is this lot of 50 fire extinguishers. These fire extinguishers are loaded with 20 lbs of purple k dry chemical, and mounting brackets are included. The approximate dimensions are 10″ long by 9″ wide by 28″ high and weighing appx 45lbs. These fire extinguishers retail for over $100 each, so the winner of this auction could walk away with a real bargain. There are currently just 5 bidders with the highest bid at $606.  This online auction will be ending in exactly 1 days 1 hour and 0 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

2005 Maserati Cambiocorsa: Go On An adventure

Maserati Cambiocorsa AuctionLooking for a new toy that is sure to put a smile on your face? Look no further, because in just a couple days the Federal government will be auctioning off this gorgeous 2005 Maserati Cambiocorsa to the highest bidder. When this exotic car was made by the Italian car manufacturer back in 2005 it sold for just under $100,000, which made it an entry-level super car. However, Maserati didn’t skimp on the looks or the design of this beautiful vehicle, which exemplifies everything you would expect from an exotic car, from the smooth flawless curves to the luxurious hand-crafted interior. The car is equipped with a 4.2L 8 cylinder engine that puts out 385hp. There are 69k miles on the odometer. The car does require some maintenance, like a new set of tires and a new battery, but the winning bidder could still walk away with a great deal on this auction. This online auction will be ending in exactly 2 days 1 hour and 30 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

42-Foot Patrol Boat: Keep Watch Over the Seas

Patrol BoatIn just a few days the U.S. Department of Transportation will be auctioning off a 42-foot patrol boat called the Goshawk. The aluminum boat was manufactured by the Mohark Boat Co. in 1985. This boat has a 16L twin screw Detroit diesel engine which put out 462hp with a 670 diesel tank. The boat was last dry-docked in 2006. It is missing some parts, including all navigation gear, so. bidders should thoroughly inspect the boat before placing any bids. The current bid is at $20,000 and there is only one bidder at this time. This online auction will be ending in exactly 1 days 20 hours and 0 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!

Old Scientific Equipment Lot: Awaken The Scientist in You

Old Scientific EquipmentFrom time to time, you can find government auctions where antiques and old equipment are sold to the public. In just a few days, an online auction will be held for a small lot of old scientific equipment, which, although probably rendered obsolete by newer technologies, could prove very valuable to certain individuals. This lot consists of :

1 altimeter – an instrument used to measure the altitude of an object above a fixed level

1 surveying aneroid barometer – an instrument used  to measure the actual changes in the pressure of air at a particular place.

1 magnatometer – an instrument used to measure the magnetization of a magnetic material  or to measure the strength and direction of a magnetic field.

1 unknown piece

The items come with original cases and appear to be in fair, working condition. The age of the items is not listed in the item description, but those interested in this auction will have the opportunity to inspect the items and ask questions before bidding. There are currently 4 bids with the highest bid at $121. This online auction will be ending in exactly 4 days 22 hours and 0 minutes so if you’d like to find out more about it then all you have to do is activate your free trial account right now!