Frequently Asked Questions

GCSurplus operates nine sales centres across Canada. For address and contact information, please visit the Sales Centres

For general inquiries, please contact info@gcsurplus.ca or 1-844-991-1385.

Registration is easy and quick. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click Register for GCSurplus.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions
4. Click Register. An account confirmation will be emailed to you.
5. Open the email and click the account confirmation link.
6. Log in to your account and bid on government surplus!

Any person over 18 years of age can register. Businesses, not-for-profits, and other institutions can register too.

No. Registration is free. There are no monthly fees or costs associated with having an account. You pay only if you win an auction.

You can buy vehicles, boats, farm equipment, heavy equipment, furniture, tools, scrap metal, aircraft, lab equipment, household items, electronics, clothing, jewelry, collector’s items, and much, much more! To view a complete list of the items we sell, visit the Browse items for sale

Most of the items sold on GCSurplus were owned by Government of Canada departments and agencies.

GCSurplus does not sell bulk electronic waste or hazardous material.

Controlled goods are divested through the Government of Canada’s GCMil program.

GCSurplus does not sell real estate. To view federal real estate for sale, view the Government of Canada’s Real Property website.

No. GCSurplus sells surplus assets owned and acquired by the Government of Canada and other public institutions.

Yes, GCSurplus sells forfeited assets.

No. GCSurplus does not sell buildings or land. To view federal real estate for sale, view the Government of Canada’s Real Property website.

Yes. To add a business name to an account:

Scroll over My Account.

1. Scroll over My Account.
2. Click My registration.
3. Select Change your personal information.
4. Enter the Company name.
5. Click Update Registration.

No. Registering more than one account is prohibited. Anyone who attempts to register multiple accounts will have their account cancelled. Deliberate attempts to circumvent GCSurplus’ one account policy will lead to permanent account suspension.

If you own a business, you can add a business name to the account. See Can I Register as a business?

Yes. You can sign up to receive emails about products you’re interested in. To sign up:

1. Scroll over My Account and open the drop-down menu.
2. Select Email Notifications.
3. Select the item categories and regions you’re interested in.
4. Check the box beside Please send me GCSurplus email notifications.
5. Click Update Settings.

Please note, you must be registered to sign up for email notifications.

To sign up:

1. Scroll over My Account and open the drop-down menu.
2. Select Email Notifications.
3. Check the box beside Please send me the GCSurplus newsletter.
4. Check the box beside Please send me special notices.
5. Click Update Settings.

Please note, you must be registered to sign up for our newsletter and special notices.

To view items up for auction:                                      

1. Scroll over the Shop GCSurplus tab and open the drop-down menu.
2. Click Auctions. This will take you to the Browse items for sale page.
3. Search by region, item category, closing date, auction type, shipping availability, or keyword.
4. Click search.

Items are sold from GCSurplus sales centres and other sites across Canada. Detailed location information is available in the auction’s Location and Contacts tab.

Most items can be viewed in-person. To view an item in-person, please schedule an appointment with the contact noted in the auction advertisement. Contact information is available under the Location and Contacts tab.

Details regarding viewing hours are posted in the Lot Details tab under the Additional comments section.

Please note, if you do not schedule an appointment or adhere to the viewing hours noted on the advertisement, you may be asked to schedule another appointment.

To view additional item details, click the Lot Details tab. To view merchandise in-person, please schedule an appointment with the contact noted on the sale.

GCSurplus uses two auction methods: open bidding and closed bidding. The principle difference lies in the visibility of the high bid and the number of bids accepted. In an “open” auction, bidders can see the high bid and submit offers in real-time. In a closed bidding auction, bidders are not able to see other bids and submit only their best offer.

The rules for “open” and “closed” bidding differ, so it’s imperative that you know the auction method being used. Most GCSurplus auctions are “open” but some are not. It’s your responsibility to confirm whether “open bidding” or “closed bidding” applies.

The auction method is published along the top of every auction listing.

Open bidding is an auction method where bids are public and change in real-time. If you’re outbid, you have an opportunity to submit a higher bid. Most GCSurplus auctions are “open bid.”

See Open Bidding FAQs for more information.

On occasion, GCSurplus uses a closed bidding auction method which means bids are closed and cannot be seen by other bidders. In a closed bid auction, you submit only your best offer. The high bid in a closed bid auction is always confidential until the auction concludes and bids are unsealed.

See Closed Bidding FAQs for more information.

No. All items are sold “where is, as is” without warrantee. GCSurplus strives to provide accurate information, but cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of item descriptions. Bidders are advised to view items and to bid according to their own personal assessment of value and condition.

Yes. To view past auctions results:

1. Scroll over the Shop GCSurplus tab and open the drop-down menu.
2. Click Recently Sold. This will take you to the Browse recently sold items page.
3. Search by region, item category, closing date, auction type, shipping availability, or keyword.
4. Check Include auctions with no bids and Include cancelled sales.
5. Click search.

Past auction results are also available on the Government of Canada’s Open Data Website

No. The information you provide to GCSurplus is never shared with other bidders. Personal information is collected pursuant to the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act and the Surplus Crown Assets Act for the purpose of allowing you to view, bid on and buy government surplus. Your personal information is protected under the Privacy Act.

To update your account information:

1. Scroll over My Account and open the drop-down menu.
2. Click My Registration.
3. Select Change your personal information.
4. Update the information and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
5. Click Update Registration.

If you forgot your password:

1. Click login on the main page.
2. Click Forgot your password.
3. Enter your email address and click Send me my password. GCSurplus will email you a temporary password.
4. Go to your email and open the GCSurplus Password Reminder email.
5. Return to the GCSurplus login screen and enter the temporary password. Click login.

To change your password see How do I change my password?

To update your password:

1. Scroll over My Account and open the drop-down menu.
2. Click My registration.
3. Select Change your password.
4. Enter your old password or temporary password.
5. Click Update Password.

When you bid on an item, a link to the auction is stored in your Current bids screen. To access your list of current bids, scroll over My Account and select Current bids.

Please note, if you win an auction, the auction listing moves to your Awarded items screen.

Bid watch allows you to bookmark the auctions you’re interested in, so you don’t need to search for the auction each time you log in. To add an auction to your bid watch, click Add to Bid Watch. To remove an auction, click Remove from Bid Watch.

To access the list of the auctions you’re watching, scroll over My Account and select Bid watch.

You must be registered to use bid watch.

GCSurplus uses two auction methods: open bidding and closed bidding. The principle difference lies in the visibility of the high bid and the number of bids accepted. In an “open” auction, bidders can see the high bid and submit offers in real-time. In a closed bidding auction, bidders are not able to see other bids and submit only their best offer.

The rules for “open” and “closed” bidding differ, so it’s imperative that you know the auction method being used. Most GCSurplus auctions are “open” but some are not. It’s your responsibility to confirm whether “open bidding” or “closed bidding” applies.

The auction method is published along the top of every auction listing.

Open bidding is an auction method where bids are public and change in real-time. If you’re outbid, you have an opportunity to submit a higher bid. Most GCSurplus auctions are “open bid.”

1. Log in to your account.
2. Go to the auction you’re interested in.
3. Click Place Bid. The bidding pop-up screen will appear.
4. Click one of the three available price options, or enter your maximum bid into the blank field and click Bid.

The new high bid will appear at the top of the screen beside Current Bid.

Minimum bid increments are calculated according to the following table:

You can bid any amount as long as it’s greater than the current price plus the next minimum bid increment.

Example:

• Current bid is $30.
• Minimum bid increment is $1.
• Next bid must be $31 or greater.

GCSurplus uses a “soft closing time” to ensure everyone has a fair chance to bid.

As such, if a bid is submitted in the last minute, GCSurplus extends the closing time by two minutes. This process will continue so long as there are bids entered in the last minute of the auction’s closing time.

The auction will officially close once time runs out and there are no more bids being entered.

Your maximum bid is the highest price you’re willing to pay for an item. If you enter a maximum bid, the system bids for you using the smallest increment necessary to keep you in the lead.

Here’s how it works:

• If the current bid is $30 and you enter a $50 maximum bid, the system bids $31 for you.
• If no one else bids, you win and pay $31.
• If other people bid, the system bids for you up to your max of $50.

Please note, you’re responsible for the bids you enter, including those submitted using the maximum bid tool. Your maximum bid can be reduced or increased, but a bid cannot be cancelled.

Yes. You can increase or decrease your maximum bid any time before the auction concludes. To update your maximum bid, click Update Bid and enter a new value. Please note, you cannot change your maximum bid to a value below the current high bid.

Yes. To remove a maximum bid altogether, click Remove Max Bid. Please note, removing your maximum bid does not change the bids you already placed. You are responsible for the bids you submit.

No. GCSurplus does not accept offers below the minimum bid. The next acceptable bid amount is always posted on the sale.

The bid history is a public record of high bids in an auction. It notes the date, time, and amount of bids that were high enough to take the lead. Buyer numbers in the bid history are randomly generated numbers. Your personal information is never disclosed.

To view the bid history go to the auction and click Show Bids. Please note, the bid history tool applies only to “open” auctions.

Our auction platform bids only the minimum amount necessary to keep you in the lead. If you bid more than the minimum amount required to stay in the lead, GCSurplus reserves the remainder as your maximum bid. If you’re outbid, the system bids automatically for you, up to the maximum bid you entered. You never pay more than you need to and win at the lowest possible price.

For more information, see How does the maximum bid work?

If you enter a value greater than the current high bid and you do not become the high bidder, it means you’ve been outbid. Another bidder submitted a higher offer, or the automatic bidding tool placed a bid in accordance with another bidder’s maximum bid settings.

To view the public record of high bids, go to the auction and click Show Bids.

If more than one bidder enters the same maximum bid, GCSurplus gives precedence to the bidder who enters the maximum bid into the system first.

Example:

• Bidder 1 sets their maximum bid to $200 on January 1st.
• Bidder 2 sets their maximum bid to $200 on January 2nd.
• Bidder 1 will be the high bidder because their maximum bid was entered first.

No. Your maximum bid is hidden from everyone but you. Your personal information is always kept private.

No. Your bid is a binding contract in which you agree to pay for and remove the item(s) according to the auction’s terms.

You can revise your maximum bid, but you cannot change or cancel submitted bids. You are responsible for the bids you submit. All sales are final and are subject to GCSurplus’ Terms and conditions.

You will receive email notification that you’re outbid only if you click Notify me by email when I am outbid. If you do not click Notify me by email when I am outbid, you will not receive email notifications when you’re outbid.

If you’re the high bidder, the online listing will state “you are the high bidder” beside the current bid price. Please note, an outbid notification email for a particular auction is sent only if you select Notify me by email when I am outbid.

When the countdown clock at the top of the auction listing hits zero, the auction is over. Remember, if a bid is received in the last minute (even with only a few seconds left), the countdown automatically adds two minutes.

If you win, you’ll receive an email notification. The auction you won will also appear under your awarded items screen. To view this screen, scroll over My Account and click Awarded items.

Auction results are published online. To view recent auction results:

1. Scroll over the Shop GCSurplus tab and open the drop-down menu.
2. Click Auctions then What has sold. This will take you to the What has soldpage.
3. Search by region, item category, closing date, auction type, shipping availability, or keyword.
4. Click search.

Tip: to search for a specific auction, try a keyword search using the sale number.

GCSurplus uses two auction methods: open bidding and closed bidding. The principle difference lies in the visibility of the high bid and the number of bids accepted. In an “open” auction, bidders can see the high bid and submit offers in real-time. In a closed bidding auction, bidders are not able to see other bids and submit only their best offer.

The rules for “open” and “closed” bidding differ, so it’s imperative that you know the auction method being used. Most GCSurplus auctions are “open” but some are not. It’s your responsibility to confirm whether “open bidding” or “closed bidding” applies.

The auction method is published along the top of every auction listing.

On occasion, GCSurplus uses a closed bidding auction method which means bids are closed and cannot be seen by other bidders. In a closed bid auction, you submit only your best offer. The high bid in a closed bid auction is always confidential until the auction concludes and bids are unsealed.

To submit a bid:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Go the auction you’re interested in.
3. Enter your bid and click Enter Bid. The bid confirmation screen will appear.
4. Review the total. Click Confirm Bid.

Yes. You can revise your bid any time before the auction concludes. To revise a bid:

1. Go to the auction listing. The value you entered previously will appear.
2. Enter your revised bid.
3. If you’re bidding on a regular lot click Update Bid. The bid confirmation screen will appear.
4. If you’re bidding on a period contract click Enter bid. The bid confirmation screen will appear.
5. Review your bid and click Confirm Bid.

Please note, you cannot revise your bid to a value lower than the minimum bid. You are responsible for the bids you place.

The total bid price for period contracts is determined using the following formula:

• Quantity x Bid per Quantity = Total

Example:

• Weight is 100 kilograms
• Bid per kilogram is $1.0043
• Total = $100.43

When bidding on a period contract, you can use 4 spaces after the decimal point. Always review the total bid price to ensure you’re bid is correct.

No. Other bidders cannot see your bid. When the auction concludes, the bids are unsealed and the highest bid is published online.

No. You can revise your bid up or down, but you cannot cancel your bid outright. Your bid is a binding contract in which you agree to pay for and remove the item(s) according to the auction’s terms.

No. In a closed bid auction there’s no way to know the high bid until the auction concludes. You will not be notified if you’re outbid.

There’s no way to know if you’re the current high bidder in a closed bid auction. All bids are hidden from other bidders. When the auction concludes, the bids are unsealed and the highest bid is published in the Browse recently sold items section.

If you win, you’ll receive an email notification. The auction you won will also appear under your awarded items screen. To view this screen, scroll over My Account and click Awarded items.

Auction results are published online. To view recent auction results:

1. Scroll over the Shop GCSurplus tab and open the drop-down menu.
2. Click Recently sold. This will take you to the Browse recently sold items page.
3. Search by region, item category, closing date, auction type, shipping availability, or keyword.
4. Click search.

Tip: to search for a specific auction, try a keyword search using the sale number.

Payments can be made online through your GCSurplus account, or you can pay in-person at a GCSurplus sales centre (by appointment only). GCSurplus accepts cash (exact change only please), Visa debit card, MasterCard debit, Visa / MasterCard / American Express credit cards, money order, and certified cheque.

All cheques must be certified and made out to the “Receiver General of Canada.” GCSurplus cannot accept payment over the phone.

Yes. To pay online:

1. Login to your account.
2. Scroll over My Account and open the drop-down menu.
3. Click Awarded items.
4. Select the Not paid tab.
5. Click Apply Payment to Invoice. The payment screen will appear.
6. If you want to add shipping (available only for select items sold from GCSurplus sales centres), click GET Shipping. Select your desired shipping option and click ADD Shipping. The shipping cost will be added to your invoice. Please note, this applies only to parcels weighing less than 150 pounds. To add shipping to a parcel weighing more than 150 pounds, please contact the sales representative.
7. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Pay Now.
8. Select your payment method.
9. Fill out the required fields.
10. Click Process transaction. The payment security page will appear.
11. Choose text or voice and click Continue. A one-time passcode will be sent to your mobile phone number.
12. Input the one-time passcode sent to your mobile phone. Click Submit.

GCSurplus accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Visa debit and MasterdCard debit. You cannot pay with a pre-paid credit card.

No. GCSurplus does not keep your credit card of file. You need to enter your credit card information into the payment screen every time you pay online.

Online payments are processed through Moneris, a secure payment platform. Moneris uses Verified by Visa, MasterCard SecureCode and American Express Safekey to ensure your personal information is protected.

No. Purchasers do not pay a buyer’s fee or premium. You pay the amount you bid plus applicable taxes.

Yes. Applicable taxes must be paid on all transactions.

Contact the sales rep immediately. The sales rep will help you troubleshoot the problem. GCSurplus is not able to accept payment over the phone.

If you don’t pay for something you won, your account will be suspended for 30 calendar days. Repeated failure to pay will lead to permanent account suspension.

The winning bidder’s account will be suspended. GCSurplus reserves the right to make a second chance offer to the next bidder.

*Note: If you are having difficulties with your transaction, we at GCSurplus will provide assistance when possible to help guide you through the payment process.

In some cases your bank or credit card provider may require you to use additional verification methods for online transactions. If these additional verification methods are causing you some difficulties you will need to contact your bank or credit card provider.

Here are some common additional verification method used:

• One Time Passcode (OTP) – a one-time passcode is sent to the cardholder’s mobile number or e-mail address on the file with the issuer, and the customer is requested to enter it to authenticate.
• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) - the cardholder is asked to answer security questions registered with the issuer.
• Out of Band (OOB) – Authenticates the cardholder through logging into their financial institution account or via biometrics such as fingerprint recognition and facial id on mobile devices.
• Verified by Visa, American Express Safekey, MasterCard SecureCode

Pick up options and requirements vary according to commodity type and location. You may be able to:

• Ship your item using GCSurplus’ Purolator shipping service
• Pick up your item in-person
• Send a third-party representative to pick up your item
• Send a courier or tow truck to pick up your item

Communicate with the contact noted in the sale to determine what options are available.

Purchasers are responsible for supplying all labour and equipment necessary for removal. Purchased goods must be picked up in accordance with the removal deadline stipulated on the bill of sale. Pick up is by appointment only. GCSurplus’ full Purolator shipping service is offered only on select goods sold from GCSurplus Sales Centres.

GCSurplus offers Purolator shipping for some items sold from GCSurplus Sales Centres, including some parcels weighing up to 4,500 lbs. If the sale indicates shipping is available, GCSurplus will pack and ship the item to the address noted on your account. You pay the shipping fee on your invoice.

Please note:

• GCSurplus ships only to the address on file.
• GCSurplus’ Purolator shipping service is only available in Canada.

• All shipments are subject to Purolator's Terms and Conditions of Service.

If small parcel shipping is available, a quick quote Shipping tab will appear in the sale.

If freight shipping is available, the Additional Comments tab will include a note indicating freight shipping is available. The quick quote Shipping tab does not apply to sales with freight shipping. Please communicate with the contact noted in the sale for more information.

GCSurplus may offer freight shipping for some large parcels weighing up to 4,500 lbs. For shipping availability and rates, please contact the sales representative.

GCSurplus does not offer shipping services outside of GCSurplus Sales Centres. Vehicles are not eligible for GCSurplus’ freight shipping service.

If GCSurplus offers shipping for a small parcel, you can obtain an estimated shipping cost by clicking Shipping Estimate. This estimate is based on the postal code linked to your account and the lowest cost shipping option available.

To view the full range of shipping options available for a small parcel:

1. Go to the sale you’re interested in. Click on the sale.
2. Open the Shipping tab.
3. Enter your postal code.
4. Click Get Estimates.

If other shipping options like expedited parcel delivery are available, the costs will appear.

GCSurplus may offer shipping for some large parcels sold from GCSurplus Sales Centres. Please contact the sales representative for more information regarding GCSurplus’ freight shipping service.

Yes. You can authorize a third party to pick up your purchase. To authorize third party pick up:

1. Sign the Authority to Release and email it to the contact noted on the sale.
2. Forward the third party’s name to GCSurplus.
3. Ensure the third party schedules an appointment and adheres to removal deadlines.

The third party must present valid government-issued photo identification at the time of pick up.

You must forward a completed bill of lading or shipping label in advance. GCSurplus and federal departments do not complete the bill of lading for third party shipments and assume no responsibility related to third party shipments, financial or otherwise. Purchasers are responsible for providing all labour and equipment for removal.

Please note, GCSurplus ships only to the address on your account (My Registration).

GCSurplus’ Purolator shipping service is available only in Canada. Bidders outside Canada must make their own pick up arrangements. International bidders are responsible for brokerage fees and must adhere to laws regarding export outside of Canada.

For additional information, see Can I send a third party to pick up the item?

The removal deadline is noted on your bill of sale. Prompt removal is imperative. GCSurplus will cancel the sale if you do not remove your purchase on-time. Purchasers are responsible for all costs incurred by GCSurplus due to non-compliance.

When submitting a bid you acknowledge that you understand the removal terms and are able to abide by them.