GovSales.gov: Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Sales Centers
- Why are their different Sales Centers?
- How does the GovSales.gov website work?
- What browser can I use to access the GovSales.gov site?
Buying Process
Selling
Privacy
Q: Why do I have to register at each sales site?
A: Each site is its own Sales Center, or individual store.
Q: How do I register?
A: Each Sales Center site has a “register” link or will have registration at the live sale. You must register with that Sales Center in order to bid on property. By clicking on “Register” – the site will take you through the process.
Q: Who can register?
A: Any citizen, 18 years of age and older, can register to participate in the Sales process. There are limitations placed on Federal Government Employees.
Q: Why are their different Sales Centers?
A: Different agencies have developed expertise in different methods of sale and/or sales of certain commodities. Based on this demonstrated expertise, Sales Centers are granted authorities to only sell certain types of property or have specified methods of sale.
Q: How does the GovSales.gov website work?
A: The GovSales.gov website is a one stop shopping navigation tool that provides access to all property offered for sale by linking all approved Sales Centers in one place.
Q: What browser can I use to access the GovSales.gov site?
A: It is recommended that you use browsers newer than Netscape 4.06 or Internet Explorer 4.06.
Q: How do I search for an item?
A: There are several ways to search for an item. For personal property, by clicking on the desired tab, subcategories of property will be displayed. Also, the search engine will be displayed for that category. For real property, clicking on the tab will allow you to search for property by location.
Q: How do I place a bid?
A: You must click on the item that you want to place a bid. This will take you to the Sales Center site offering this item. There, you must register with the Sales Center in order to place a bid, or purchase a product. Once registered, a bid button will be displayed for each item.
Q: Is this your First Time Bidding and Buying?
A: If yes, search the property listed at GovSales.gov for the items that interest you. Clicking on an item will take you to the Sales Center selling that item. Register with the Sales Center and place your bid.
Q: Who may sell property on this website?
A: Currently, only approved Federal Agencies may sell property through the GovSales.gov portal. Non-approved Federal Agencies may use one of the approved "Sales Centers" to sell their property. For more information on this process, please contact govsales@gsa.gov
Q: Does GovSales.gov collect any information covered by the Privacy Act?
A: No. The GovSales.gov website does not collect any information covered by the Privacy act. Individual Sales Centers may require you to provide personally identifiable information in order to register or complete a sales transaction.