Government Auctions

Government Auctions - Potential Sources of Great Buys

Many people have heard about government auctions and figured that the stories are simply too good to be true. After all, how would a police agency have a boat or car or even an airplane for sale? Computers and office equipment could make sense for inclusion in , perhaps due to remodeling, but the rest? Understanding how boats, cars, planes and real estate become part of government auctions can help you understand why there's such potential for a good deal.

Many expect seized property to be the only items included in government auctions, but look at some other possibilities and the reasons for cars (for example) to be offered at government auctions.

Most people take it for granted that the police will arrive at your house in a matter of moments after you dial 911, but never give a thought to how they get there so quickly. Cars used for police cars and official government business are used for a specific period of time, then liquidated to help with the cost of new vehicles. If you consider the responsibilities of most government employees, you'll better understand why this happens, and why those vehicles become part of government auctions.

Many people have experience with a cranky car that simply refused to move on cold mornings until it had warmed up for several minutes. It's usually a simple sign of age. But what would happen if a police officer was called to an emergency situation and he had to waste those precious moments allowing the car to warm up? Or the car simply refused to start some morning. Maintenance will help lengthen the life of a vehicle, but eventually those cars simply wear out. Enter government auctions.

Now you understand why it's important to replace those cars, but why not just let those agencies trade them in or stick a price tag on them and wait for a buyer instead of offering them at government auctions? The reason is simple - those actions give someone the ability to offer an excellent deal. If the person in charge of the city's fleet of vehicles happens to be good friends with the manager of a car lot, a deal could easily be struck to trade the cars in cheaper than is prudent. Government auctions mean that no one in the government office has the power to make a deal on the vehicle.