GovDeals vs Public Surplus vs GSA Auctions
All three are legitimate surplus auction sites, but they draw from different sellers, charge different fees and suit different kinds of flips. GovDeals has the biggest inventory, mostly from state and local government. GSA Auctions is where the federal government sells. Public Surplus carries agencies that don't list on GovDeals. Many resellers watch all three.
The short version
| Platform | Run by | Mainly sells | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GovDeals | Liquidity Services (Nasdaq: LQDT) | State and local government surplus, plus commercial sellers | Volume and variety |
| GSA Auctions | U.S. General Services Administration | Federal surplus: vehicles, IT, office and specialty equipment | Federal assets, often with no buyer's premium |
| Public Surplus | Public Surplus, an independent company | State and local agencies that list there | Lots that never appear on GovDeals |
GovDeals
GovDeals is the largest of the three and the one most resellers start with. On October 31, 2026 it had about 24,000 live lots from 2,362 seller accounts. Most come from cities, counties, schools, police departments and transit agencies, but commercial sellers accounted for about 40% of live lots that day. The range runs from fleet vehicles and heavy equipment to pallets of laptops, office furniture and jewelry.
Most GovDeals lots carry a 12.5% buyer's premium, set by the seller. Pickup is the norm: about 7 in 10 live lots say pickup-only or pickup by appointment in their terms.
GSA Auctions
GSA Auctions is run by the federal General Services Administration and sells federal surplus. Expect government fleet vehicles, IT and office equipment, and the occasional specialty or industrial lot. GSA Auctions has generally not charged a buyer's premium, which helps the math, but confirm it on each listing. Federal pickup locations and removal rules can be strict.
Public Surplus
Public Surplus competes with GovDeals for state and local sellers. They're separate companies with partly different rosters of agencies, so an item on one isn't automatically on the other. For a reseller, the value is coverage. Some agencies list only on Public Surplus, so watching it turns up lots that never reach GovDeals. Premiums vary by seller and are often lower than on GovDeals.
Which should you use?
- Want the most choice? Start with GovDeals. It has the most lots by far.
- After federal vehicles or IT, ideally with no premium? Check GSA Auctions.
- Want lots fewer people are watching? Add Public Surplus.
Because premiums and pickup terms differ, the same winning bid can be profitable on one platform and a loss on another. Run the numbers on each listing rather than trusting the headline price.
GavelGap scores every live GovDeals lot: landed cost with the buyer's premium, a resale estimate from real eBay sales, and the profit gap.
Try GavelGap free →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between GovDeals and GSA Auctions?
GSA Auctions sells federal surplus and is run by the General Services Administration. GovDeals is run by Liquidity Services and sells mostly state and local government surplus, plus lots from commercial sellers. GovDeals has far more listings.
Is Public Surplus the same as GovDeals?
No. They're competing platforms run by different companies, with partly different agencies selling on each. An item on one isn't automatically on the other, so many resellers watch both.
Which government auction site is best for resellers?
GovDeals for volume and variety, GSA Auctions for federal assets, and Public Surplus for lots that don't appear elsewhere. The best site is whichever one has the specific deal.
Do all three charge a buyer's premium?
Not always. Most GovDeals lots carry a 12.5% premium. GSA Auctions has generally not charged one. Public Surplus premiums vary by seller and are often lower. Confirm on each listing.
Is each platform legit? Is Public Surplus legit? · Is GovPlanet legit? · Is Municibid legit?