To many people when they hear of Iowa auctions, they generally think of estate sales. Maybe a senior citizen has passed away and the family is liquidating the property. Or perhaps a farm auction where yet another farmer is forced to sell up and move into town. These do represent a large percentage of the kinds of Iowa auctions held around the state.

But there are other types of Iowa auctions which do not in my opinion get enough attention. They are the many auctions in Iowa which are organized by various government agencies. Whether it is any one of numerous local or state government departments liquidating used equipment in order to upgrade or update, or one of the several branches of law enforcement auctioning repossessed or seized property. Some of these venues can offer opportunities not found anywhere else.

Aside from the fact that much of the merchandise at many of these Iowa auctions can be in near new and excellent condition, and unlike a lot of private estate sales, many times there is no reserve or minimum price at which auction inventory has to be sold. For example, in county sheriffs Iowa auctions, much of the inventory may have been confiscated due to illegal activity. Their primary focus may not be on marketing the merchandise and getting the best possible price – mostly it is just to get rid of it quick and easy and use the proceeds to help fund their departments.

Because of this, these types of Iowa auctions are a great place to find cheap cheap merchandise. Aside from the bigger ticket items which catch most peoples eyes like cars, trucks, boats, Rvs and even real estate, there is also the possibility of every conceivable smaller type of consumer goods as well. High quality furniture and appliances, hand and power tools, hunting and fishing equipment and just about anything else you can imagine. Collectable antiques, jewellery, watches, clothing – if it exists, there is a chance you can eventually find it at one of these auctions in Iowa.

The trick is to know when and where they are located. They generally are required by law to post the details in a public venue so everyone has a chance to participate, but the fact that most people have no clue about most of these sales makes it obvious that the posting requirements are less than adequate.

Check with your county courthouse and you can probably find details of at least some of the governmental Iowa auctions coming up. Or subscribe to a professional service which lets you know of just about every opportunity throughout the year. Right now this is probably the best Iowa Auction and sale listings service available. It not only includes Iowa auctions but auctions and sales throughout the country as well as many online auctions. The price is extremely cheap and the information is timely and thorough. 

Here is a tiny example of the type of information you can get: