Updated: 05/21/07
If you're looking for a good deal on household or office furniture or office equipment, try some of the government surplus sales and auctions across Canada. The Canadian federal government sells off used merchandise at regional Crown Assets Distribution Centres across the country. Different regional distribution centres use a variety of methods to sell government surplus, so check the appropriate regional centre for more information.
Canadian government surplus sales schedules are online, and include location, type of sale and conditions, date and time, and a phone number for further information. It's a good idea to use the phone number to verify the information, as there may be changes.
Government Surplus Items for Sale
For tender and public sales, there are several different ways to find out what government surplus items are for sale.
- You can check the sales schedule for the appropriate regional office.
- Search the federal government surplus database by both region and by type of merchandise.
- You can register for e-mail notification of the types of items in which you are interested.
Crown Assets Distribution recommends that prospective buyers inspect merchandise before placing a bid. To find information on where to view the merchandise, find the item in the database, and click on the ? for more information, including the location. You'll also find phone numbers for the sales representative or custodian to contact for further information.
Purchasing Government Surplus
To purchase government surplus items using the online database, first locate the item in the database. When you find the item on which you would like to bid, select the check box next to it, and press the OTP button. Click on the printer button and the system will generate and print an Offer to Purchase for the item. Read the conditions of sale on the form, fill in your bid, and mail or fax the OTP to Crown Assets Distribution at the address or fax number on the form.
Crown Assets Distribution notifies successful bidders by phone or by mail within 21 calendar days, although usually it is only takes about five working days for notification.
Successful bidders can pay for government surplus items using a credit card by phone. or they can pay by credit card, debit card, certified cheque or cash at a Crown Assets Distribution office.
All removal arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer.
Government Surplus Sales of Vehicles
Canadian government surplus vehicles are currently mostly sold through a National Master Standing Offer for Vehicle Remarketing Services with Michener Allen Auctioneering Limited.
Sometimes Crown Assets also sells vehicles directly on behalf of other government departments. Check the Tender Items as well as the Public Sales Items and Special Sales to see if vehicles are available directly.
