PublicSurplus

Registration on PublicSurplus is free and straightforward. Go to their website, click to create a new account, and provide basic information like your name, email, and address. Most accounts are activated immediately, so you can start browsing and bidding right away. For high-value items or certain auctions, the platform may ask for additional verification or a deposit, but this is handled at checkout if needed.

PublicSurplus accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and bank transfers for payment. Some sellers may have specific payment requirements listed in their auction terms. Wire transfers are also an option for larger purchases. Always check the payment details in the auction description before you bid, as requirements can vary.

Each auction specifies whether the item requires pickup, offers shipping, or both. Many government surplus items are sold locally with pickup required at a specific location and timeframe. Others may include shipping options that you arrange and pay for separately. Some auctions are buyer pickup only, meaning you must collect the item yourself. Always review the logistics section of the auction listing to understand costs and deadlines before placing a bid.

Often, and mostly because of competition rather than fees. Each PublicSurplus seller sets its own buyer's premium, often 10% and sometimes none, against 12.5% on most GovDeals lots, so the gap is 2.5 points where the seller adds 10% and the full 12.5% only where it charges nothing. Fewer bidders watch PublicSurplus, which is where the lower closing prices come from. Compare the true total, not the hammer price.

Because the person writing them is a school district or public works employee clearing a warehouse, not a seller trying to maximise the price. Expect few photos and short descriptions. Treat that as a reason to inspect or bid conservatively rather than as a sign something is wrong.