Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few answers to our frequently asked questions.

How often do you sell to the public?

The public can purchase avaiable items anytime during our regular operating hours, Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. We currently are selling most items "cash and carry" without bidding. On occassion we may have live bid on a particular item when it becomes avaiable. We also reserve the right to scedule a sealed bid on a particular item.

Why can USU departments and goverment agencies purchase items before the public?

Since all of our inventory is Utah State University property, we are required to offer these items to USU departments and government agencies first. Once these qualifing entities have declined to purchase an item it will then be available to the public.

What happens to bid items that do not sell?

 If an item is not bid on or sold when it becomes avaiable then It remains on the shelf and is now on a first come "cash and carry" basis.  

What happens to "cash and carry" items that don't sell?

If a "cash and carry' item does not sell in a reasonable amount of time then Surplus reserves the right to discount the item. After discounting, if the item still does not sell it may be deemed unsellable. Items are available to the public until they are either sold or deemed unsellable and removed for recycling.

Can I reserve an item before it is available for sale?

Items cannot be held or reserved. All items will be avaiable on a date determined by Surplus Sales. if more than one interested buyer is present at this time, a live bid will be conducted. If you cannot be here when an item becomes avaiable we have an option for you to place a Proxy Bid. This is only avaiable on items over $100.00 and has some other limitations. Please ask a Surplus employee about this option. 

Can I bring the item back if I decide I don't want it or it doesn't meet my expectations?

We cannot refund or exchange purchased items. We try to do our best to present the items as they are, but there is a certain amount of risk involved. Keep in mind that you are buying a used item without any warranty. Most items can be tested in store and we encourage potental buyers to do this before deciding to make a purchase.

What if I need a particular item, can you get it for me?

Unfortunately no, we have no control over what items come in for sale. It is up to the individual departments to send in their items in for surplus. We generally do not know ahead of time what is going to be submitted.