Timed auctions

Throughout the year, UW Surplus presents online timed auctions featuring items such as vehicles, computers and parts, tools, industrial equipment, water vessels, sporting equipment, athletic memorabilia, laboratory equipment, or items too large to come into our warehouse. Previous online timed auctions have included: cargo vans, food trucks, laptops, servers, hard drives, wire for scrap, air compressors, DNA sequencers, lathes, outboard motors, live potted trees, professional looms, weightlifting equipment, and one-of-a-kind Rose Bowl football shoes.

Timed auctions are conducted online only through GovDeals.com. Interested bidders may set up an account directly on GovDeals.com’s registration page. The best way to keep informed about upcoming timed auctions is through our email newsletter or by periodically checking our current listings on GovDeals.com.

Bidding

All bids are placed online.

View current
listings

Auction ending times

An auction will end at its stated time unless the item is subject to an auto-extension. If the auto-extension applies, please note the following:

It will be listed on the asset details page, directly beneath the “Remaining” time left.
If a bid is placed during the final three minutes of an auction, the auction’s current end time will automatically extend for an additional three minutes. This will continue until no bids are placed during the last three minutes. Since most bidding occurs during the final minutes of an auction, this allows all bidders a sufficient amount of time to continue bidding.

Viewing items in person

While many timed auction items are located at the UW Surplus warehouse, in some cases the items up for bids are located across the UW’s Seattle campus as well as at our satellite facilities. Each listing on GovDeals will include the location of the equipment and contact information for an onsite person acting as point of reference for interested bidders who have questions or would like to arrange for a viewing appointment.

Vehicles up for auction are typically parked across the street from the UW Surplus store in the E02 parking lot.

Payment, tax, titles & removal

Payment

All payments are handled through GovDeals.com, NOT by UW Surplus. After payment has been received, buyers will be emailed instructions on how to schedule an appointment.

Tax calculation and exemptions

Where taxes are applicable, tax exempt documents must be provided to GovDeals Bidder Services at tax@govdeals.com within 24 hours of the auction’s close and before payment is made. Bidders are encouraged to submit their tax exempt documentation prior to the auction’s close to expedite this process. Please contact GovDeals for all tax exemption questions.

Vehicle and equipment titles

Titles are located at the same location as the equipment and will be completed at the time of removal. Surplus will sign over the Vehicle Certificate of Title to the buyer and will file a Report of Sale within 5 business days from title handover with the Department of Licensing to document the transaction. The buyer must apply for a new registration/title within 15 calendar days of purchasing the vehicle to avoid paying a penalty. The buyer may take or mail the signed Certificate of Title and completed Vehicle Title Application (pdf) (TD-420-001) to any vehicle licensing office and pay the required fees and taxes.

All vehicles are sold without a license plate. The buyer should purchase a trip permit from any vehicle licensing office before operating an unlicensed vehicle. For more information, contact the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Removal

All UW Surplus merchandise pickups will be conducted by appointment only. Buyers will receive instructions on scheduling an appointment once payment is received. Upon arrival, call 206-685-1573 to let staff know you are here. UW Surplus staff will ask questions related to your purchase and direct you where to park. If you arrive late, we will make every effort to assist you, however, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Buyers or their agents are required to stay in their vehicle and show their invoice to the warehouse staff who will bring the merchandise to the loading area. Buyers are responsible for the removal of all their purchases from the loading area. Buyers will make all arrangements and perform all work necessary, including packing, loading and transportation of the property. No assistance will be provided. Exceptions may be made for large items requiring forklift assistance but will be determined on a case- by-case basis upon a written request emailed to surplus@uw.edu.

Using a freight forwarder:

You must email UW Surplus (surplus@uw.edu) with a copy of the bill of lading and your authorization before we can release your items to the freight forwarder. Buyers are responsible for all packing, shipping costs, and arrangements. The buyer’s name must be listed as shipper on all shipping documentation.