Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it mean when I sign a Bid Document or enter an On-line Sealed Bid?
   By signing a Bid Document or placing a bid for an item on-line and submitting it, you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions of the Sale and you have entered into a legal and binding contract with the state of North Carolina.



2. What happens if I am the high bidder on an item and I do not pay for the item or I pay for the item and do not remove it before the deadline stated on the “Notification Award of Property”?
   If the person/company awarded property fails to pay for the property prior to the time indicated on the “NOTIFICATION - Award of Property”, the property purchased will be promptly re-sold in such a manner as the State may elect and the bidder charged with the any loss to the State, if any, together with all expenses of the sale. If the person/company awarded property does not remove the property purchased prior to the time indicated on the “NOTIFICATION – Award of Property”, State Surplus Property Agency reserves the right to resell the property a second time with no refund of any money to the person/company failing to remove the property before the deadline.
   
   Should you have placed bids on other items on any bid that has not been opened and you are placed in an ineligible bidder status, all bids associated with your account will be withdrawn.
   
   Should your bidding privileges be reinstated, you will have to re-enter all bids that were withdrawn. The system will not reinstate bids withdrawn for any reason.



3. Why do I have to provide a Driver’s License Number or a State Issued ID Number?
   To protect you as a bidder, we require persons picking-up items to show proof of identification. Therefore, the ID Number you use when you register or place a bid must be presented at the time of pick-up.
   



4. Can I allow someone else to Pick-up items I have been awarded?
   Yes. If someone other than the winning bidder will be picking up the property, please print and complete a Notarized Authorization form made available to you with the “Notification – Award of Property” e-mailed to you at the time of award. Persons picking-up property on your behalf will have to present a photo ID that matches the information on the Notarized Authorization.



5. How does on-line bidding work?
   You must be registered and agree to all Terms and Conditions before you can place bids utilizing the new on-line sealed bid process. Once registered, you will be able to logon, review available property and place bids. You will be able to review and update your user profile, account status, see items you have placed bids on and see items you have been awarded.



6. Will all items be available for on- line bidding?
   NO. The State Surplus Property Agency will still conduct “Bid Purchase” and “Must View Item” sales, (such as scrap metal) and public auctions, and retail sales. And, there will be no change in the bidding process for Timber, pine straw and other contractual sales.
   
   
7. How do I find Items for bid?

Anyone can view available items on bid at www.ncstatesurplus.com and browse available items prior to registering and/or placing a bid. The site includes search options, thumbnail pictures (if provided) and a description of each item. Items available for bid can be printed for a specific bid opening date or, you may obtain a list by visiting the SSPA in Raleigh.



8. Do I get any warranty on an item?
   No. There are no warranties associated with any items sold through the State Surplus Property Agency. All items are sold "AS IS - WHERE IS." All bidders are cautioned and encouraged to view property of interest before bidding. Should you choose to bid on an item without looking at it, you assume all risk.
   



9. Can the vehicles be driven?
   Vehicles cannot be driven. However, they can be started in place. Should a vehicle have a dead battery, our staff will be glad to assist you for a reasonable amount of time with a jump-start.
   



10. Will a vehicle pass state inspection?      
    Vehicles sold by the State Surplus Property Agency may not pass a state inspection. All surplus items are sold “AS IS – WHERE IS”.
    
    
11. How do I get a title to a vehicle?
    We have titles for all government vehicles we sell. Successful bidders for seized vehicles will receive a title application to be submitted to the NC Department of Motor Vehicles so a title can be issued. The titles and title applications will only be issued to the person whose name appears on the bid. Titles or title applications will not be issued to any other person. Should you wish the vehicle be titled to a business, please submit the business name in the space provided.



12. If I see an item at a sale location, how do I know when an item is up for bid?
    For the most accurate inventory you are encouraged to visit our website or the sale location often. Some items may be in-process and have not been made available or we may have awarded other items that are awaiting payment and pick-up. If bids are being accepted on an item, it will be listed on a bid.



13. How can I get a copy of upcoming bid items?
    For on-line sealed bids you may print information for any item of interest or you may pick-up a list at the State Surplus Property Agency at 6501 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Bid Sheets for other type sales may be picked-up at the State Surplus Property Agency or you may call the contact person listed on the bid document to receive a copy.



14. How accurate are photographs and descriptions?
    Photographs and descriptions are provided solely for the purpose of aiding you to identify items of interest. In no way should they be used in making a determination of quality or condition. You are invited and encouraged to inspect any item of interest prior to bidding.



15. How do I submit a bid on an item?
    For on-line sealed bids, you must enter your bid on-line via the internet. For other sealed bid type sales, you must follow the directions on the bid document.



16. What if my bid is the same as another person’s?
    Bids entered into the on-line sealed bid system that match another person’s bid will be awarded to the bid that was entered first. For other type bids, tie bids will be awarded based on a coin flip administered by management.



17. Will I be notified when my bid is received?
    No. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that bids are received on time.



18. How will I be notified if I am the highest bidder for items I bid on using the electronic bidding method?
    Shortly after the online bid opens and the bids are tabulated, we will post the winners on our website and the system will send an automated “Notice of Award” to the e-mail address you entered when you registered. If you feel you are the highest bidder for item(s) and you are unable to check your account page or our website, please feel free to call us at 919-854-2160. Please have the Bid Number and Item Number available when you call.



19. How will I know how much time I have to pay and remove items I have been awarded?
    When an item is posted for sale, the Payment Terms and removal requirements will be posted with the Terms and Conditions or with the advertisement.



20. Do I need to bring anything with me to pay for or pick up property?
    Please print the Notice of Award you received via e-mail to save time. If someone other than the winning bidder will be picking up the property, please print and complete a Notarized Authorization form sent with your “Notification-Award of Property”. Persons picking-up property on your behalf will have to present a photo ID that matches the information on the Notarized Authorization.



21. If I bid on more than one item and I am the highest bidder on several items, do I have to purchase all the items?
    Yes. Should a bidder be the highest bidder on more than one item, the bidder is required to purchase all items they are awarded. Therefore, please be prepared to pay for all items you place bids for.