1. THE BENEFITS OF
San Diego Police
AUCTIONS

2. San Diego police auctions offer opportunities for the general public to get great
deals on a wide variety of property, including vehicles and other big ticket items.
How does a police department get this property? Items for auction come from
several sources: surplus inventory and materials the department no longer needs,
personal property seized in conjunction of a crime, evidence used in court cases or
unclaimed found property that was turned into the police.
Held on an ongoing basis, San Diego police auctions provide a host of benefits:

3. • Diversity of Items -- Because the items come from confiscated, forfeited or
surplus property, anything goes when it comes to what an auction attendee
will find. Examples include household items, electronics, tools, antiques and
collectibles, commercial property, cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, and more.
• Below Market Prices -- Opportunity for reduced prices exists with San Diego
police auctions. Police departments aren’t in the business of selling property.
So, their prime objective is to reduce their inventory, even if it means selling items
at a significant discount.

4. • Professional, Proven Process – Online auction sites provide sophisticated
software to manage the bidding process. However, participants are on
their own when buying items. San Diego police auctions are conducted by
professional auction services that act as an agent of the department. The auction
house controls every aspect of the auction, from advertising, describing items,
managing inspection periods, handling the bidding process and more.
• Multiple Ways to Bid – San Diego police auctions are typically conducted as
simulcast events, meaning online bidding takes place at the same time as live
bidding. Online and live bidders compete with each other with the bidder
placing the highest bid winning the item.

5. • Item Inspection – All property at a San Diego police auction can be inspected
prior to the live event. By inspecting items, bidders can make informed decisions
about the true market value. It’s important to note all items sold at auction are
sold “as-is, where-is.” This means neither the police department nor auction
house will provide you with any guarantees or warranties on items you win.

6. • Publicized Terms – Before participating in a San Diego police auction, you can
visit the auction services website for specific requirements for bidding. The site
will provide an online registration form for bidding, which is almost always free
for police auctions. However, you will likely have to provide a credit card and the
auction service will place a hold on that card. The amount held can be anywhere
between twenty and a couple hundred dollars, depending on the auction. This
hold, which will be released at the end of the auction, is used to encourage
serious bidder participation.
• Reduced Risk – With an opportunity to thoroughly inspect items, you minimize
the risk you’ll get a lemon. If you bid on eBay, you can’t inspect an item. You’re
relying entirely on the seller’s description. In a San Diego police auction, any
inaccurate description provided by the auction service allows the winning bidder
to get a refund.

7. Held on a regular basis, San Diego police auctions present wonderful
opportunities for bidders to get great deals on all kinds of property. In addition
to the potential below-market prices, diverse selections, easy of bidding and
reduced buying risks, police auctions generate a lot of excitement and keep
bidders coming back!

8. About the Author
Deb Weidenhamer is President of McCormack Auction Company, San
Diego’s premier real estate and auction company. Visit us at http://www.
mccormackauction.com or call (619) 447-1196 for more information about San
Diego Police Auctions.