Government Surplus Auction Service
Conduct auctions for government surplus property and equipment
Overview
Government surplus auctioneers charge 10-20% commission.
Conducting 6-15 government auctions annually generates $120,000-$600,000 annually with 75-85% margins.
In 2025, government agencies liquidate surplus vehicles, equipment, and property.
Services include government contract auction services, vehicle auctions (police cars, fleet vehicles), equipment auctions (office, maintenance), online and live auctions, and asset tagging and cataloging.
Successful government auctioneers understand government procurement processes, maintain bonding and insurance, follow government contracting requirements, market to government buyers, and handle compliance documentation.
Government contracts provide steady recurring work.
Marketing through government procurement offices, GSA contacts, and government contractor networks.
Required Skills
- Government Contracting
- Auctioneering
- Compliance
- Asset Management
- Marketing
- Documentation
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Government contracts recurring revenue
- Large volume government surplus
- Reliable payment from government
- Established auction schedules
- Less competition (requires compliance)
Cons
- Complex government contracting process
- Need bonding and insurance
- Compliance requirements strict
- Long sales cycle winning contracts
- Payment can be slow (30-60 days)
How to Get Started
- Learn government contracting and procurement
- Get necessary bonding and insurance
- Register as government contractor
- Bid on government auction contracts
- Develop compliance documentation
- Build relationships with procurement offices
- Market capabilities to government agencies
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