Ready, Set, Bid: Government and Online Auctions

Check out these online auction websites.

Related To:

With the upcoming premiere of Baggage Battles, we were inspired to find out how we could score some serious treasures for discounted prices by bidding in auctions -- just like the auctioneers. We discovered that not only can you attend government, airport and freight auctions in person, but also, many happen online! Whether you're looking for an old Toyota, a vintage diamond ring, a super-fast jetski or a new DVD player, these auctions may have a deal for you. Check out these 10 websites that will help you find local auctions or give you the opportunity to place a bid right from the comfort of your living room.





GovSales
GovSales.gov makes it easy for the public to find government assets for sale. Updated daily, the items include everything from land and jewelry, to propellor plans and tractor-trailers. When you find something you like (maybe a pool table, or 2) you will be connected to the seller's site to buy or bid on the item.
PropertyRoom.com
PropertyRoom.com works with police departments across the country to auction off the items they have seized or recovered. All of the items are examined by experts and anything that is fake is destroyed. PropertyRoom.com gives a portion of the proceeds from the auction back to the police department's local community. Many of the items on the site start at $1 with no reserve.  
US Department of the Treasury
The US Department of the Treasury auctions off “seized and forfeited” general property (fancy a Rolex watch or a Fender guitar?), cars (how about a pimped-out Escalade?) and boats. Visit the Treasury’s website to find more information on where and when these auctions are held, plus sign up for alerts and research how much money items have sold for in the past. In addition, the Treasury has real property (RP) auctions for real estate seized through IRS-Criminal Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the US Secret Service.
Government Liquidation
Government Liquidation is an online marketplace for the sale of the Department of Defense’s surplus material to the public. You can bid online for some items, but others require an in-person meeting.
GovDeals
Ever dreamt of owning your own fire truck or a set of antique post office boxes? You can find them both on GovDeals -- a site that allows government agencies to put surplus and confiscated items up for bid.
GovernmentAuctions.org
GovernmentAuctions.org helps you navigate government-sponsored auctions across the country. You can find out where auctions will be held, search for specific items, or research foreclosures. There is a monthly fee to be a member.
Robertson Auto Auctions
Robertson Auto Auctions is a partner of the Department of Justice and US Department of Homeland Security that executes auctions all over the country for vehicles acquired in the Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Program. On this site you can preview items going up for public auction and do some online bidding.
Key Auctioneers
The Key Auctioneers execute auctions for those who are dealing with foreclosures, mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, divestitures and Chapter 11 proceedings. Visit their website to learn about upcoming auctions -- everything from restaurant equipment to office buildings.
Marcus Barela and Fr8Auctions
This auction depot in Atlanta allows bidders to browse and test items up for auction by the major trucking lines -- items that were over-shipped, damaged or lost in transit.
PoliceAuctions
Policeauctions.com is run by a private company and is not affiliated with the government. It provides information and links to government-run auctions, but the site itself is part of the wholesale liquidation auction market. Items are sold as is and sometimes there are fees. You have to register to bid and get information, but it doesn’t cost anything to join the site.

Next Up

What's It Worth: Bunny Money

Traci Lombardo, the newest auction specialist, gets lucky with this Star Trek figurine. How much do you think it sold for?

What's It Worth: Guns-A-Blazin

Laurence and Sally Martin get lucky with this rare Barnum & Bailey poster. How much do you think it sold for? Tell us in the comments below!

What's It Worth: Blow Up

On the Golden Ticket episode, Laurence and Sally Martin won what appeared to be a rare Pepsi billboard ad. But what's the cost? Did they empty out their pocket for this "rare" piece?

What’s It Worth: Platinum Hits

On the Platinum Hits episode, Billy Leroy wins a bid for a vintage Partridge Family lunch box. But what's the cost? Did Billy put in the entire “kit and caboodle” for this win?

What's It Worth: Sin City Win

Billy Leroy wins a bid for an antique 1871 revolver. But at what cost?

11 Twin Peaks Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

Where to find a damn fine cup of coffee and more.Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

This Majorly Discounted CityPASS Will Let You Visit 5 of Seattle’s Best Attractions for a Fraction of the Cost

Save big on admission tickets to some of Seattle's best attractions like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture and more.

3 Must-Do Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

There's nothing like a challenging hike with a rewarding view.

Is Abraham Lincoln Haunting the White House?

The White House has its fair share of ghost stories, but the apparition of Abraham Lincoln is said to be the most prominent spirit walking the halls of the People’s House.

12 Best Bites and Sips from Maine’s Midcoast

Experience these Down East culinary highlights.

What's New from TRVL

On TV

12pm | 11c
1pm | 12c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Ghost Adventures

8pm | 7c
9pm | 8c
10pm | 9c
1am | 12c
2am | 1c

Stream discovery+

Your favorite shows, personalities and exclusive originals. All in one place.

Subscribe Now

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.