Government Auction Sites: Fees, Inventory & What Buyers Really Pay (2026 Guide)

This guide breaks down all major government auction sites, what they sell, and exactly what buyers pay after premiums, transaction fees and add-ons. If you're comparing GovDeals, GovPlanet, GSA, Public Surplus, Purple Wave, Ritchie Bros., Copart, IAA and more — this is the full picture.

A cross-section of government surplus inventory — from fire trucks and excavators to police vehicles and utility trucks — all available through public auction platforms.

GovDeals Fees & Inventory

Local government surplus: police cars, trucks, buses, fire gear, machinery, tools, boats.

Buyer Fees: Varies by auction. Common examples: 5% and 13.5%.

• $10,000 + 5% = $10,500
• $10,000 + 13.5% = $11,350

GovPlanet Fees & Inventory

Military + heavy equipment: trucks, loaders, generators, trailers.

Buyer Fees:

• $1–$10,000 → 15%
• Above $10,000 → 10% (minimum $1,500)
• Credit card → 2.95%

Examples:

• $10,000 → $11,500
• $25,000 → $27,500

GSA Auctions

Federal surplus: vehicles, equipment, electronics, boats, aircraft.

Buyer Fees: No percentage buyer's premium.

GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales

Retired federal fleet vehicles: sedans, SUVs, pickups, vans.

Buyer Fees: Typically no buyer's premium.

HiBid

Independent auction companies: vehicles, machinery, tools, farm equipment, surplus.

Buyer Fees: Common range 10%–20%.

• At 15%, $10,000 → $11,500

HomePath (Fannie Mae)

Residential real estate.

Buyer Fees: Real-estate transaction, not a standard auction premium.

HomeSteps (Freddie Mac)

Residential real estate.

Buyer Fees: Real-estate transaction.

Hubzu

Foreclosures, bank-owned, investment properties.

Buyer Fees: Some listings include a buyer's premium or technology fee.

HUD Home Store

HUD-owned residential properties.

Buyer Fees: Real-estate transaction, no standard premium.

IronPlanet

Heavy equipment + commercial vehicles.

Buyer Fees:

• Up to $25,000 → 10%
• $25,000–$75,000 → 5%
• Above $75,000 → $3,750 flat

IRS Auctions

Seized vehicles, real estate, business assets.

Buyer Fees: No buyer's premium.

J.J. Kane

Utility + construction fleet: bucket trucks, service trucks, trailers, equipment.

Buyer Fees: 12%–17%.

• $20,000 at 12% → $22,400
• $20,000 at 17% → $23,400

Municibid

City, county, school surplus: police vehicles, trucks, equipment, tools.

Buyer Fees: Displayed per auction.

PropertyRoom

Police property + municipal surplus: jewelry, electronics, bikes, tools, vehicles.

Buyer Fees: 10%, 12%, 15%.

• At 15%, $5,000 → $5,750

Proxibid

Heavy equipment, vehicles, farm machinery, industrial assets, collectibles.

Buyer Fees: Varies by auction company.

Public Surplus

Government + school district surplus: vehicles, buses, computers, tools, equipment.

Buyer Fees (Aug 2026): 4%, $1 minimum.

• $1,000 → +$40
• $5,000 → +$200
• $10,000 → +$400
• $25,000 → +$1,000

Purple Wave

Construction, ag, transportation equipment.

Buyer Fees: 10% flat.

• $10,000 → $11,000
• $25,000 → $27,500
• $50,000 → $55,000

Ritchie Bros.

Heavy equipment, trucks, industrial assets.

Buyer Fees (U.S., Aug 2026+):

• $30,000 or less → 10%, $100 min
• $30,000–$75,000 → 5.5%, $3,000 min
• Above $75,000 → $4,125 flat

Titled equipment: $125 documentation fee.

CivilView

Sheriff sales + foreclosure sales.

Buyer Fees: Determined by each county/jurisdiction.

U.S. Treasury Auctions

Federal seized property + real estate.

Buyer Fees: No buyer's premium for seized real property.

Wisconsin Surplus

Government + school surplus: vehicles, trucks, machinery, tools.

Buyer Fees: Varies by auction.

Copart

Insurance vehicles, damaged vehicles, recovered vehicles.

Buyer Fees: Multi-part fee schedule — buyer fee + gate + environmental + virtual-bid + payment fees.

IAA

Insurance + damaged vehicles.

Buyer Fees: Multi-part fee schedule similar to Copart.

What Buyers Really Pay

Government auction fees change everything.

4% on $10,000 = $400. A 10% premium adds $1,000. A 15% premium adds $1,500.

Two identical items can have completely different final prices depending on the auction site. Smart buyers compare total cost, not just the bid.

That's why UXAuctions.com brings every major government auction site into one place — helping buyers compare inventory, fees, and real final prices before bidding.

Because the number that matters isn't what you bid.

It's what you really pay.