The Benefits of a Phoenix Police Surplus Auction

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The Benefits of a Phoenix Police Surplus
Auctionby Deb Weidenhamer,President CEO
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Bargain Hunters and Police Auctions

• Surplus personal property confiscated by a
  police department is typically auctioned to the
  public.
• Held on a regular basis, Phoenix police
  surplus auctions present opportunities for
  bidders to receive great deals on all kinds of
  merchandise, including big ticket items.
• This presentation will provide Interested
  bidders information ahead of time whats being
  auctioned and can inspect items prior to bidding.
  

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Police Auctions and Surplus Property

• Can you really get a good deal at a Phoenix
  police surplus auction? Stories abound about
  people getting items at rock-bottom prices. Some
  people may think its too good to be true and
  look for the catch, like added costs or poor
  item quality.
• But the skeptics may be pleasantly
  surprised once they learn more and attend their
  first police auction.
•  
• Police departments handle and store seized
  items and evidence used in court cases.
• When the items are no longer needed, they
  may be given back to the original owner,
  destroyed or sold at an auction, depending on
  what the law dictates.

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Police Auctions and Surplus Property

• Surplus personal property, such as what the
  police department has confiscated, is usually
  disposed of at an auction conducted by an outside
  auction service.
• These auctions are held on an ongoing
  basis. Interested bidders can learn ahead of
  time the items for auction and can inspect them
  prior to bidding.
•  
• Phoenix police surplus auctions offer a
  wide range of benefits for bidders

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Something for Everyone

• Large Variety. Phoenix police surplus
  auctions have something for everyone. Because
  the items come from confiscated, forfeited or
  surplus property, bidders can expect a diverse
  laundry list. Typical items include jewelry,
  electronics, tools, antiques, memorabilia and
  other collectibles, appliances, household items,
  sporting goods, furniture, commercial property
  and even cars, boats and trailers.
•  
• Reduced Prices. It really is possible to
  get all sorts of merchandise, including big
  ticket items, at bargain prices. Because police
  departments are more concerned with reducing
  inventory than making a profit, items can sell at
  40-90 discounts.
•  
• Proven Process. Unlike eBay where
  individuals conduct their own auctions, Phoenix
  police surplus auctions are conducted by a
  third-party auction house. Acting as an agent
  for the police agency, the auction house controls
  the products and all aspects of the bidding
  process.

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Police Auctions are Easy

• Easy Bidding. Most Phoenix police surplus
  auctions are simulcast auctions, meaning they
  allow onsite as well as Internet bidders to
  compete against each other. Auction houses give
  advance notice of upcoming auctions, as well as
  list all items for sale.
•  
• Item Preview. Items sold at a Phoenix
  police surplus auction carry no guarantee and are
  sold as-is, where-is. However, auction houses
  offer previews prior to the auction. Potential
  buyers are able to inspect and test items prior
  to bidding.
•  
• Straight-Forward Terms. Whether bidding
  online or in person, bidders may be required to
  register prior to the auction. Registration is
  free for most Phoenix police surplus auctions.
  To encourage serious bidders, registration may
  require a credit card and the auction house may
  put a hold on the card in an amount between 20
  and 200, depending on the type of auction. The
  hold is released at the end of the auction. Items
  are paid for at the end of the auction using
  cash, certified funds, travelers checks or a
  major credit card.

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Minimal Risks

• Prospective buyers have the opportunity to
  thoroughly inspect items before bidding. In
  addition, important documentation will be
  included unless otherwise noted in the listing.
  For example, a title will accompany a vehicle
  purchase. Reputable auction houses will refund
  purchase prices for items described incorrectly.
   
• To take maximum advantage of any auction,
  you should first familiarize yourself with its
  procedures. You can review bidding requirements
  at the auction houses web site. You can also
  decide to participate as a visitor to learn the
  ropes before actually bidding.  
• Phoenix police surplus auctions take place
  on a regular basis and are advertised prior to
  the event. Dates, locations and item lists can
  be easily found in newspapers and web sites.
  These auctions present huge opportunities for
  bidders to receive great deals on tons of items.
  The potential rewards easily outweigh any risk.

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About the Author

• Deb Weidenhamer is President of Auctions Systems
  Auctioneers Appraisers, Inc., based in Phoenix,
  Arizona. They specialize in auctions and
  professional appraisals. Visit us at
  http//www.auctionANDappraise.com or call
  800-801-8880 for more information about Phoenix
  police surplus auctions.