|
|
|
Consumer Tips
|
 Know where to find current Federal Government sales information.
To find information about specific upcoming sales, check the classified or business sections of national or local newspapers. Some sales programs may even advertise on local radio and television. Notices may also be also posted at post offices, town halls, and other local and Federal Government buildings. Current information on sales programs is sometimes published in trade journals and periodicals, or online at the Federal Business Opportunities' (FedBizOpps) website, www.fedbizopps.gov.
Sales information may also be listed in the Federal Register, a daily publication listing Federal Government activities.The Federal Register is available at most libraries or through a yearly paid subscription from the Government Printing Office(GPO). To order a subscription, call toll-free 1(866)512-1800. In addition, the Federal Register can be accessed online at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.
If you need more information than is provided in this guide, you may be able to obtain it by directly contacting the local or regional office of the Federal agency that sponsors a particular sales program. Use this website as a guide to identify the parent agency of the sales program. For example, if you are interested in learning more about the U.S. Marshals Service sales program, look under the Department of Justice in the "U.S. Government" listings in the phone directories of major cities in your state.
If you have difficulty locating the local office of a particular sales program, call the Federal Citizen Information Center's National Contact Center(NCC) for assistance. This service, provided by GSA, can tell you the location of the sales office closest to you. You can reach the NCC by calling toll-free 1(800)FED-INFO (that's 1-800-333-4636). The NCC is open for personal assistance from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EasternTime, Monday through Friday.
Do your homework before going to a Federal Government sale or auction.
Before attending, research the sale by contacting the sponsoring agency. Find out how and when the sale or auction will be held, what bidding procedure will be used, and what special restrictions or unusual conditions apply. It's important to ask what forms of payment are accepted. Most sales require a guaranteed method of payment such as money order, certified check, or cash. Credit cards are sometimes accepted. Also, look for information prior to the sale on the buyer's responsibility for property removal, inspection times prior to t he sale, and zoning rules if purchasing land in an urban area. In most cases, the "Invitation For Bid" will answer these types of questions. It is an informational piece released by the sponsoring Federal agency that contains a description of the property being offered for sale with the sale terms and conditions. It's wise for potential buyers to attend several sales to get a feel for the auction process. With just a little research, you can get the information that you need to make a successful purchase.
Most of the Federal agencies listed in this guide maintain websites that include detailed information about their particular sales program. Whenever possible, the websites for these agencies are provided.
Inspect the property carefully before buying.
Chances are you will not find new or unused items at Federal Government sales. And because the sales items are used, the condition of the goods will vary. For example, some forfeited vehicles may be in excellent condition, others may have high mileage or a stripped interior. Although information about the condition will be given, it is still necessary to inspect before you purchase. It is the buyer's responsibility to verify that the description of the item fits its actual condition. Find out if the goods are sold "as is" or can be returned. Most sales are final.
Don't expect to buy a $1 yacht.
Goods in Federal Government sales programs are usually sold at fair market value.The "bargains" that you hear about are frequently mythical. The $1 yacht most likely has serious problems. For example, it may not have an interior or an engine. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. At many sales, the items are appraised prior to the sale and will not be sold if the bid price is below what is reasonable. For example, GSA's Federal Supply Service has a policy to sell property at fair market value, and often will not sell items if the bid price is below what is reasonable.
You will not drive away from a Federal Government sale with a military jeep.
In 1971, based on safety statistics and vehicle tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommended that the M151 series vehicle not be sold to the public because it is unfit for public use. Therefore, M151 series jeeps cannot be driven. Disposal regulations on the M151 require that the vehicle body be crushed, shredded, or mutilated to prevent the jeep from being rebuilt. Businesses that sell the "secrets" of buying surplus military property often take out enticing magazine and newspaper ads. "Just send $19.95 and learn how to buy surplus military jeeps," they say. However, these advertisements do not tell the consumer that the M151 series is unfit for public use and that older jeep models, such as the World War II M38, are virtually nonexistent today. Jeeps are now typically auctioned at sales for scrap metal or parts.
|
| |
|
