Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can easily register for a GovDeals account to participate in our surplus sale. Registration is free and simple, and no banking or credit card information is required upfront.

Important: All new accounts start with a probationary status. We recommend reviewing the probation policy before registering: GovDeals Probation Policy.

How to Register:

1. Click "Register" in the red field on the GovDeals website.
2. Complete the Bidder Registration Form:      
   • Choose a username (avoid using your email, website, or company name).
   • Enter your email address twice to verify.
   • Provide your full first and last name.
   • Enter your home address and city.
   • Select your state and provide your postal code.
   • Input a phone number for calls or texts (format: 555-555-5555).
   • Choose how you'd like to receive your temporary password (email or text).
   • Select whether you are registering as a Reseller/Dealer or an End User. If registering as a Reseller/Dealer, include your business name and the number of employees.
   • Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
   • Confirm your address when prompted.
3. Retrieve your temporary password sent via email or text.
4. Activate your account by clicking the link in the email or text, then entering your temporary password and setting a permanent one.
5. Log in using your new username and password to start bidding!

You must have an account and be signed in to 'Buy Now'. Find the item you are interested in, click on "Buy Now".

1. Input the “Buy Now Price” amount within the bid box
2. Click “Place Bid”
3. Within the “Bid Confirmation” page, click “Agree”
4. You’re done – Congratulations!

Payment types:

• Credit card
• PayPal
• Wire transfer

Payment in full is due not later than 5 business days from the time and date of the Buyers Certificate*. Buyers then have 5 days to pick up after payment is accepted. All payments must be made through the GovDeals website; in-person payments are not accepted. After completing your payment and submitting any required information, you'll receive a confirmation and instructions for scheduling your item pickup.

Here's a step-by-step guide to selecting your payment method and some important things to keep in mind: 

1. Sign into your GovDeals account.
2. Access your account profile in the upper, right-hand corner of the screen. 
3. Click your name, then select "My Bids".
4. On the left-hand side, under "My Bids," click "Lots Won". .  
5. Find the lots you've won and either select all or individually choose the ones you want to check out. 
6.  After you've made your selection, hit the "Checkout" button.  
7. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will find the section labeled "Please Choose a Payment Method". 
8. You'll see the available payment method options including
   "Pay with Wire Transfer,"
   "Pay with Credit Card," and/or
   "Pay with PayPal."
   The payment options are determined by the payment method accepted for the amount due. 
9. If your invoice is $5,000 or more, your payment must be made via wire transfer, and only "Pay with Wire Transfer," will display. 
10. For buyers with less than 3 completed transactions, there's a $1,000 limit for credit card/PayPal payments. If your transaction is over $1,000, you'll only see the Wire Transfer option.

*A buyer certificate will be emailed to the email address on file. This may end up in your junk or spam folder.

After winning, a buyer certificate will be emailed to the email address on file. This may end up in your junk or spam folder.  Follow the instructions to pay for the item(s) through GovDeals and to arrange a pick-up appointment.

Please note: TRL cannot hold or set aside items currently up for auction.

You may also access the buyer certificate via these steps:

1. Click "Sign In" (upper, right-hand corner)

2. Click your name, then click "My Bids"

3. Refer to "Lots Won"

4. Locate your asset, then click "Certificate"

5. Follow the instructions concerning payment and pick-up.

TRL auctions surplus items are on GovDeals, an online marketplace for government agencies. These items are no longer needed by TRL but are still in good condition. By using GovDeals, TRL ensures a convenient, transparent process for the public and acts responsibly with public funds.

Items will be listed for 10 days on GovDeals, although the auction period may be extended depending on circumstances. The highest bidder at the end of the auction wins the item.