| Government Sales & Auctions | |
In 2000, Amazon.com, Inc. racked up $2.8 billion in net online sales. Not bad, but only good enough for second place. Who was number one? According to a study conducted by Federal Computer Week Magazine, the United States Government very quietly rang the virtual cash register for a total of $3.6 billion in online sales.
What does the government have going for it when it comes to online sales success? Diversity. From Treasury bills to wild horses and houses, you name it and a government Web site probably sells it. Best of all from the consumer's standpoint, the government is not out to make a profit, so most items are sold at or below cost or fair market value. Plus, purchasing from the government helps to defer cost of running the government, which saves taxpayers' dollars.
Whether shopping online of off, there are some basic tips and information you need to know about buying merchandise or property from the government.
How to Buy from the Federal Government
Guide to Federal Government Sales - GSADelivers the accurate information you need to participate in the Federal Government's various sales programs. It helps combat the many misleading advertisements that offer consumers "inside" information about Federal Government sales.
Buying Used Government Property - GSA
Latest edition - When items are no longer needed by the federal government, The General Services Administration (GSA) stretches your tax dollar by offering them for sale to the public. GSA sells a wide variety of items that would interest both individuals and businesses. Look here for details and addresses of GSA sales facilities across the nation.
How to Buy Federal Land - Interior Dept.
Homesteading is a thing of the past, and you will not find land for "A-Dollar-an-Acre," but the federal government does sell land. Lands identified as excess to the public's and Government's needs or more suited to private ownership are sometimes offered for sale. This brochure can help explain the procedures and where to go for details.
How to Buy Surplus Military Property
Often, various commercial firms sell literature regarding the sale of DoD property and/or advertise sales of DoD property, and suggest that DoD sells real estate, jeeps, confiscated and seized property. DoD does not sell these items. The type of DoD property sold, how it may be purchased, and other information is explained in this pamphlet.
Ready? Let's Shop!
- Personal Property (boats, cars, planes, jewelry, animals, computers, tools, etc.)
- Real Property/Real Estate (homes, apartments, land, commercial buildings, etc.)
- Financial Assets (bonds, savings bonds, securities, etc.)
- Miscellaneous Online Shopping (coins, stamps, collectables, souvenirs, etc.)
