FAQ
Answers to common online and government auction questions, with the guide that covers each one.
How Do I Start?
How Do I Start Buying At Online Auctions?
A simple beginner guide explaining how online auctions work, how to search, and what to check before bidding.
How Government Auctions Work
Step-by-step breakdown of the government surplus auction process — from listing to pickup.
Understanding Buyer Types At Government Auctions
Learn who else is bidding and how to position yourself as a smart first-time buyer.
Hidden Costs of Auction Vehicles
Before you bid, understand buyer premiums, transport fees, title costs, and other charges that affect your total price.
Online Auctions Explained
How Government Auctions Work
A plain-language overview of how government surplus auctions operate, who runs them, and how items are sold.
New To Government Auctions
Everything a first-time buyer needs to know about finding, evaluating, and winning government surplus auctions.
Auction Education Hub
A curated collection of educational resources covering every aspect of online government auctions.
Compare Auction Platforms
See all 33 auction platforms UX Search covers side by side — what each one sells, who uses it, and how to search it.
Auction Platforms
Which Auction Platform Is Best?
A beginner-friendly comparison of major online auction platforms and what each one is commonly used for.
Compare All 33 Auction Platforms
Browse every major government and surplus auction platform — thumbnails, specialties, and direct links.
Smart Search — All Platforms At Once
Search across all platforms simultaneously.
Auction Education Hub
Guides, tools, and resources to help you choose the right platform for what you are looking for.
Truck Auctions
Search Trucks At Government Auction
Find pickup trucks, fleet trucks, and work trucks from government surplus auctions across all major platforms.
Government Service Trucks — Buyer Guide
Everything you need to know about buying retired government service trucks and fleet pickups at auction.
JJ's Story: Government Auction Ford F-350
A real buyer's story about finding and winning a government surplus Ford F-350 at auction.
Compare Auction Platforms For Trucks
GovDeals, Public Surplus, and Municibid carry the most government truck and fleet vehicle inventory.
Vehicle Auctions
Search Vehicles At Government Auction
Find cars, sedans, and fleet vehicles from government surplus auctions across all major platforms.
How Government Auctions Work
Step-by-step breakdown of the government surplus auction process — from listing to pickup.
Hidden Costs of Auction Vehicles
Before you bid, understand buyer premiums, transport fees, title costs, and other charges that affect your total price.
Compare Auction Platforms For Vehicles
GovDeals, Public Surplus, Municibid, and more — see which platforms carry the most vehicle inventory.
Police Vehicles
Ford Police Interceptor Utility — Buyer Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a retired Ford Police Interceptor Utility at government auction.
Dodge Charger Pursuit — Buyer Guide
History, specs, and what to look for when bidding on a retired Dodge Charger Pursuit at auction.
Chevy Tahoe PPV — Buyer Guide
What makes the Tahoe PPV different from a civilian Tahoe, and how to find one at government auction.
Where Did All The Crown Victorias Go?
The story of the most iconic police car ever made and where retired Crown Vics end up today.
Boat Auctions
Search Boats At Government Auctions
Find government surplus boats, marine vessels, and watercraft across all major auction platforms.
Compare Auction Platforms For Marine
See which platforms carry the most boat and marine inventory from government and surplus sellers.
Auction Education Hub
Learn how to evaluate, inspect, and bid on boats at online government auctions.
Heavy Equipment
Search Heavy Equipment At Auction
Find excavators, skid steers, dozers, backhoes, and more across all major government auction platforms.
Mileage vs Engine Hours vs Idle Hours
Understand how to evaluate heavy equipment condition using engine hours, idle hours, and usage data.
Compare Auction Platforms For Equipment
IronPlanet, GovPlanet, Ritchie Bros., and other top platforms for heavy equipment auctions.
Real Estate Auctions
Search Real Estate At Auction
Find foreclosures, tax sale properties, and government-owned real estate across major auction platforms.
Compare Real Estate Auction Platforms
Auction.com, Bid4Assets, Hudson & Marshall, and other platforms that specialize in property auctions.
Auction Education Hub
Learn how real estate auctions differ from vehicle and equipment auctions — and what to watch out for.
Trailer Auctions
Search Trailers At Government Auction
Find utility trailers, flatbeds, cargo trailers, and more from government surplus auctions.
Compare Auction Platforms For Trailers
GovDeals, Public Surplus, and Municibid carry the most government trailer inventory.
Auction Inspections
Pre-Purchase Inspection Guide
A complete checklist for inspecting auction vehicles before you bid — what to look for and what to skip.
How To Perform An Onsite Vehicle Inspection
Step-by-step guide for conducting a thorough in-person inspection at a government auction preview.
Inspection & Evaluation Resources
All inspection guides, checklists, and evaluation tools in one place.
Find A Vehicle Inspector
Browse our directory of independent vehicle inspectors who specialize in auction pre-purchase evaluations.
Auction Shipping
Shipper & Transport Directory
Find auto transport and freight companies that specialize in moving auction purchases.
Hidden Costs of Auction Vehicles
Understand transport and shipping costs before you bid — they can significantly affect your total price.
Can I Drive Home From Auction Without Plates?
What you need to know about driving a newly purchased auction vehicle home legally.
Government bids for janitorial, due soonest
All 41 →Open federal bids from SAM.gov on UX Contract, free to search. 21 due this week.